PLAYS  FOR  CHILDREN 

AN  ANNOTATED  INDEX 


BY 

ALICE  I.  HAZELTINE 

Supervisor  of  Children's  Work,  St.  Louis  Public  Library 


WITH  AN  INTRODUCTORY  NOTE  BY 
CORA  MEL  PATTEN 

Chairman,  Junior  Department,  Drama  League  of  America 


SECOND  EDITION  REVISED 


CHICAGO 

AMERICAN  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION 

PUBLISHING  BOARD 

1921 


"Winter  lamps  are  early  lit, 
By  the  fire  the  big  folks  sit, 
Winter  nights  are  long  as  day, 
Lessons  done,  books  put  away, 
Little  folks  are  free  to  play. 


Dress  you  up,  then,  make  a  stage, 
Be  a  king,  a  knight,  a  page, 
Fairy  princess,  swineherd  rude, 
Monk,  or  merry  Robin  Hood. 
Take  your  choice,  whate'er  it  be. 
Learn  your  part  right  merrily." 

From  Little  plays 

by  Lena  Dalkeith. 


FOREWORD 

The  modern  development  of  the  children's  play  movement  and  the  increasing 
emphasis  on  the^  dramatic  method  of  teaching  have  greatly  furthered  the  production 
of  books  of  children's  plays  and  of  dramatic  readers.  At  the  same  time  has  come 
the  need  of  a  tool  by  means  of  which  these  books  can  be  used  most  easily  and 
effectively.  For  this  purpose  this  annotated  index  has  been  compiled.  The  best 
plays  have  not  been  diflferentiated,  and  it  is  suggested  that  the  Drama  League  List 
of  plays  for  children  and  Constance  D'Arcy  Mackay's  How  to  Produce  Children's 
Flays  be  consulted  for  this  purpose. 

The  principal  feature  of  the  index  is  the  list  of  plays  by  title,  with  references  to 
other  versions  of  the  same  stories.  No  attempt  has  been  made  to  refer  from  the 
titles  of  all  the  fables  and  fairy  tales  nor  to  indicate  the  source  of  all  the  stories, 
but  under  the  titles  of  books  may  be  found  references  to  scenes  from  them  which 
have  been  dramatized. 

In  general,  narrative  form  and  poetry  are  not  included  when  material  alone  is 
preserved,  as,  for  example,  in  volumes  intended  for  oral  as  well  as  for  dramatic 
reading.  The  list  includes,  however,  narratives  where  suggestions  or  helps  for 
dramatization  are  given,  as  well  as  dialogues  intended  not  for  action,  but  for  reading. 
Selections  from  Shakespeare,  and  plays  in  foreign  languages  have  been  omitted. 

The  annotation  is  intended  to  give  a  clue  to  the  identification  of  the  story — 
more  necessary,  perhaps,  with  the  simpler  tales  in  the  dramatic  readers,  since  the 
play  titles  are  frequently  unlike  those  of  the  fairy  tales  and  fables  from  which  they 
are  adapted.  Additional  help  in  finding  certain  stories  may  be  found  in  Mary  Huse 
Eastman's  Index  to  fairy  tales,  myths  and  legends,  which  indicates  variants  of  the 
same  story. 

Often  a  quotation  from  the  text  suggests  the  character  of  the  play.  The  number 
of  characters  is  indicated,  but  it  should  be  remembered  that  parts  may  often  be 
doubled,  and  the  number  of  boys  and  girls  may  vary  accordingly.  It  has  not  seemed 
practicable  to  indicate  the  age  of  the  children  to  whom  each  play  is  suited.  The 
title  of  the  book,  the  title  of  the  play,  the  character  of  the  annotation,  the  story  iself, 
and  sometimes  the  quotation  given,  often  suggest  this.  Sometimes  adults  are  needed. 
Some  of  the  plays  are  best  suited  to  older  children,  but  as  this  is  not  a  list  for  High 
School  use,  the  Drama  League  List  of  plays  for  High  School  and  College  production 
should  be  consulted. 

Where  the  time  required  for  production  is  given  it  has  been  found  in  the  play 
itself,  in  the  Drama  League  List  of  plays  for  children  or  in  Miss  Mackay's  How  to 
produce  children's  plays. 

Most  of  the  plays  here  indexed  may  be  given  without  permission  from  pub- 
lishers or  authors.  Those  who  wish  to  produce  them  should,  however,  examine 
the  play  itself  in  order  to  know  under  what  conditions  it  may  be  used. 

Suggestive  lists  of  plays  for  special  days  and  special  occasions,  of  special  forms 
(such  as  operettas  and  pantomimes)  and  plays  for  production  out-of-doors  are  given 
at  the  end.  It  is,  of  course,  often  possible  to  use  these  appropriately  at  other  times: 
for  instance,  patriotic  plays  are  often  suitable  for  days  other  than  those  listed. 
Reference  lists  about  educational  dramatics,   costumes,  and   dances   are   also  given. 

Since  the  prices  of  books  at  the  present  time  are  fluctuating  they  have  not 
been  quoted. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  index  may  be  of  real  service  to  dramatic  directors  and  to 
teachers  who  wish  to  produce  children's  plays. 

Alice   1.    Hazeltine, 

Supervisor  of  Children's  Work. 

St.  Louis  Public  Library. 

NOTE  TO  SECOND  EDITION 

The  first  edition  of  this  list  constituted  the  issue  of  the  St.  Louis  Public  Library 
Bulletin  for  August,  1918,  and  is  now  exhausted. 

This  second  edition  has  been  prepared  for  the  American  Library  -Association  in 
order  to  meet  a  continuing  demand.     Thirty-seven  additional  books  have  been  indexed, 


454508 


4  •  INTRODUCTORY    NOTE 

increasing  the  number  of  plays  by  one  hundred  and  thirty-four  and  a  few  titles  have 
also  been  added  to  the  reference  lists. 

In  inserting-  new  symbols  and  titles  in  the  author  list  of  books  indexed  an  exact 

arrangement  of  both  is  impracticable.     Where  necessary,  therefore,  symbols  which 

.  combine  the  initial  letter  of  the  author's  name  with  one  of  the  last   letters  of   the 

alphabet  have  been  arbitrarily  assigned,   thus  giving  an  exact   arrangement  of  symbols. 

with  author  entries  slightly  out  of  place.  A.  I.  H. 

INTRODUCTORY  NOTE 

Dramatic  instinct  is  the  impulse  to  express  feeling  through  play,  a  desire  to  make 
images  and  emotions  more  vivid  and  concrete  by  means  of  action.  Possessed  in  degree 
by  all,  this  quality  will  be  found  most  marked  in  children.  Their  heritage  of  mind  and 
spirit  can  be  easily  interpreted  by  watching  them  at  play ;  their  games  are  instinct  with 
life,  feeling,  power ;  some  will  be  merely  imitative,  others  strikingly  original.  Children 
possess  the  happy  faculty  of  endowing  all  things  with  life.  A  boy  of  seven  whose  room 
was  to  be  newly  decorated  asked  the  privilege  of  choosing  the  wall  paper.  The  result 
was  a  delicate  background,  with  much  foliage  alive  with  birds.  When  questioned  as  to 
his  choice  Bobby's  reply  was :  "Oh  papa,  won't  it  be  lovely  to  wake  up  every  morning  and 
hear  the  birds  sing?"  This  child  could  hear  the  inanimate  birds  sing,  but  with  ears 
dulled  by  materialism  age  often  fails  to  hear  the  singing  of  the  real  birds.  Anything 
which  will  conserve,  cultivate  and  direct  the  child's  native  imagination  will  add  immeasur- 
ably to  his  power  of  appreciation  and  enjoyment,  and  increase  materially  his  contribution 
to  the  intellectual  wealth  of  the  world. 

All  educators  agree  that  Drama  may  be  made  a  vital  factor  in  the  training  of  the 
child,  but  so  new  is  the  instrument,  so  untrained  most  of  the  teachers,  that  the  WHY,  the 
WHAT  and  the  HOW  become  imperative  demands. 

The  child's  hunger  for  dramatic  entertainment  should  be  met  in  the  home,  the 
church  and  the  school,  and  he  should  not  be  driven  to  the  commercial  theatre  for  its 
gratification.  His  need  is  twofold;  he  should  be  given  frequent  opportunity  to  witness 
play  and  pageants  either  by  children  or  grownups  which  provide  wholesome,  stimulating 
entertainment,  and  he  should  have  opportunity  for  occasional  participation  in  plays. 

In  stimulating  a  right  public  sentiment  in  relation  to  drama  for  children,  the  librarian 
may  well  act  as  a  leader  in  solving  the  WHY,  the  WHAT  and  the  HOW. 

About  fifteen  years  ago  the  writer  walked  into  a  supposedly  well  equipped  library 
of  a  wealthy  town  of  five  thousand,  and  asked  to  see  the  drama  section.  The  librarian 
after  recovering  from  the  shock  of  so  unusual  a  request  replied  that  there  was  none, 
but  when  she  was  questioned  as  to  the  resources  of  the  library  in  dramatic  literature, 
search  developed  that  on  the  shelves  were  a  few  of  the  Greek  dramas,  Shakespeare; 
Goethe's  Faust  and  Rostand's  L'Aiglon.  This  state  of  affairs  revealed  clearly  that  the  peo- 
ple of  the  community  were  not  reading  drama.  For  two  years  investigations  made  in 
every  section  of  the  country  revealed  a  similar  poverty  in  most  libraries.  Within  the  last 
decade  a  marked  change  has  taken  place,  and  the  average  lil)rary  has  its  shelves  fairly 
well  stocked  with  plays.  Tliis  means  thai  tlie  people  are  reading  drama  as  never  before : 
that  they  are  becoming  discriminative;  that  they  are  beginning  to  interpret  life  in 
dramatic    values. 

There  is  a  desire  for  spoken  drama  which  cannot  at  present  be  supplied  by  pro- 
fessional companies,  and  so  we  find  springing  up  everywhere  the  Little  Theatre,  The 
Community  Playhouse,  and  the  local  dramatic  club.  Young  people  who  want  to  act  are 
thus  given  an  opportunity  to  test  their  powers.  This  gives  opportunity  for  the  discovery 
of  latent  talent  or  real  genius,  and  also  saves  the  weak  from  professional  failure. 

These  amateur  groups  should  in  their  choice  of  material  consider  the  children  and 
offer  each  season  at  least  one  bill   for  their  entertainment. 

Children  are  imitative  and  ever  ready  to  throw  into  dramatic  pantomime  or  dialogue 
the  life  they  see  and  hear  about  them,  and  we  will  find  tliem  in  their  own  way  developing 
little  plays.  The  librarian  can  do  much  to  foster  and  direct  this  childish  love  of  the 
dramatic  and  also  provide  aid  and  encouragement  for  the  teacher. 

To  this  end  the  weekly  story-hour  might  well  be  supplemented  with  a  play-hour  and 
the  children  allowed  to  dramatize  and  enact  the  stories  they  most  love. 


INTRODUCTORY    NOTE  5 

In  the  drama  section  space  may  be  set  aside  for  child  drama.  One  shelf  might  well  be 
stocked  with  pedagogical  helps  for  the  teacher,  the  best  books  on  dramatics  and  pageantry 
written  by  experienced  and  successful  workers  with  the  young,  books  which  will  assist 
the  teacher  in  solving  the  problem  of  the  WHY  and  the  HOW.  The  WHAT  will  be  met 
with  the  plays  themselves.  These  should  include  stories  that  readily  lend  themselves  to 
dramatization,  dramatic  readers,  and  plays  adapted  to  primary,  intermediate,  grammar 
and  high  school  grades.  These  books  will  be  of  far  greater  value  if  the  librarian  is 
familiar  with  the  matter  and  will  list  plays  under  topics,  such  as  Thanksgiving,  Christmas, 
St.  Valentine's,  Patriotic,  Historical,  Biblical,  Nature,  Romance,  Comedy,  Farce,  etc. 
Teachers  could  thus  easily  be  put  into  touch  with  the  desired  material. 

Books  on  costume  and  design  will  also  be  helpful  and  pictures  gathered  from  any 
and  every  source  with  suggestions  for  costumes  and  draperies.  Pictures  of  interiors,  of 
stage  sets,  of  both  amateur  and  professional  plays  will  be  helpful. 

The  teacher  of  dramatics  needs  a  wide  and  definite  fund  of  information  about  people, 
places,  times,  customs  and  manners.  If  the  librarian  knows  the  plays  she  can  anticipate 
the  needs  of  the  teacher  and  can  save  much  valuable  time  by  knowing  just  where  the 
director  may  find  the  needed  information.  And  it  is  only  by  such  economy  of  time  that 
teachers  will  find  it  possible  to  do  much  with  dranaatics. 

In  church  circles  there  is  a  keen  interest  in  the  teaching  of  the  Bible  by  means  of 
drama  and  it  would  be  well  to  make  available  for  the  Sunday  School  teacher  the  best 
material  dealing  with  Biblical  characters  and  truths. 

Owing  to  a  shortage  of  paper  many  excellent  plays  can  be  had  only  in  manuscript 
form.     These  would  add  materially  to  the  equipment  of  a  drama  department. 

By  investigation  the  librarian  will  find  the  children  doing  more  or  less  creative 
work,  writing  and  producing  plays  on  their  own  account.  When  a  worthy  piece  of  Work 
is  produced  a  manuscript  copy  may  be  requested  for  the  library  and  circulated  among 
other  children.    Such  an  action  will  stimulate  and  encourage  originality  and  achievement. 

Purchasing  committees  may  be  encouraged  to  devote  money  liberally  to  the  drama 
department  that  it  may  be  on  a  par  with  other  sections  of  the  library. 

Finally,  when  a  children's  drama  section  has  been  established,  it  should  be  advertised, 
made  known,  that  it  may  be  used. 

The  following  list  of  plays  is  a  notable  contribution  to  educational  literature.  It  repre- 
sents a  vast  amount  of  labor  on  the  part  of  the  one  who  prepared  it,  a  labor  of  love,  no 
doubt.  It  should,  through  the  possibility  of  its  influence,  represent  an  asset  in  the  dramatic 
growth  of  every  community  that  it  reaches,  and  so  it  will  if  the  librarian  passes  on  the 
information  it  gives  to  parents,  teachers,  social  workers  and  any  who  have  to  do  with  the 
directing  of  the  activities  of  the  young. 

A  woman  who  had  had  little  to  do  with  children  and  who  had  given  much  valuable 
time  in  serving  on  a  committee  in  the  development  of  a  Peace  pageant  said  at  the  close 
of  the  work  that  she  had  always  thought  of  children  as  restless,  irritating  and  quarrelsome, 
but  that  she  would  never  again  see  a  group  of  children  without  thinking  of  them  as 
Children  of  Peace. 

Can  we  not  think  of  them  as  children  of  Play,  reaching  out  for  color,  adventure, 
romance  and  beauty.  By  putting  into  their  hands  the  material  for  play  we  add  to  their 
joy  and  thus  to  their  usefulness  and  power. 

I  am  grateful  for  untold  help  rendered  by  librarians  in  many  communities  in  the 
development  of  plays  and  pageants,  and  I  have  faith  in  the  response  of  the  young  to  that 
which  is  best  in  drama. 

Cora  Mel  Patten, 
Chairman  of  Junior  Department  Drama  League  of  America. 


CONTENTS 

Books  of  interest   to  those  producing  children's  plays 7 

Books    about    costume     g 

Folk  dances  and  singing  games   10 

Index  to  plays   13 

Author  list  of  books  indexed  with  key  to  abbreviations 107 

Plays  for  special  days 

New  Year's  Day Ill 

Twelfth    Night Ill 

Lincoln's  Birthday   Ill 

Valentine's    Day    Ill 

Washington's    Birthday    Ill 

April  Fool's  Day    Ill 

Easter  Ill 

Arbor  Day Ill 

May  Day  or  Spring Ill 

Memorial  Day   Ill 

Fourth  of  July ,   111 

Columbus  Day Ill 

Hallowe'en Ill 

Thanksgiving  Day    Ill 

Christmas   Day    112 

Other  plays  for  special  occasions 

Boy  Scouts   112 

Camp  Fire 112 

Some  humorous  plays    112 

Japanese  plays   113 

King   Arthur    113 

Out-of-doors  113 

Patriotic  113 

Peace    114 

Red  Cross  114 

Shakespeare 114 

Special  forms  - 

Acting  ballads 114 

Living   pictures    114 

Operettas  114 

Pantomimes    114 

Puppet  play 114 

Shadow  plays   114 

Tableaux    114 


>    •  •  •      V 


Plays  for  Children 


BOOKS  OF  INTEREST  TO  THOSE  PRODUCING 
CHILDREN'S  PLAYS 


Addams,  J.    The  spirit  of  youth  and 
the  city  streets.    Macmillan. 

Includes  a  chapter  on  The  theatre  as  the 
house  of  dreams — the  only  place,  as  Miss 
Addams  says,  where  many  young  people 
can  satisfy  the  craving  for  a  conception  of 
life  higher  than  that  which  the  actual  world 
offers  them. 

Chesshire,  J.  K.  C.     Bethlehem  tab- 
leaux.   J.  M.  Dent  and  Sons. 

The  story  of  Bethlehem  represented  in 
living  pictures  with  introductory  scenes 
from  the  Old  Testament,  together  with  a 
detailed  account  showing  how  the  Bethle- 
hem tableaux  may  be  presented. — Half  title. 

Chubb,  P.  and  others.    Festivals  and 
plays.    Harper. 

The  volume  is  at  once  a  practical  hand- 
book and  an  educational  treatise.  It  is  in 
the  first  instance  a  descriptive  and  explana- 
tory record  of  the  festivals  given  and  the 
experiments  made  at  the  Ethical  Culture 
School  during  many  years  of  endeavor  to 
incorporate  the  school  festival  as  an  integral 
part  of  the  school  life  and  work.  But  it  is 
a  good  deal  more  than  that ;  it  is  an  essay 
in  co-operative  pedagogy.  The  educational 
theory  and  method  involved  in  the  presenta- 
tion are  of  equal  importance  with  the  record 
of  actual  achievements. — Preface. 

The  several  chapters  on  different  phases 
of  the  subject  and  the  very  full  bibliog- 
raphies make  this  an  invaluable  help. 

Cook,  H.     Play  way;  an  essay  in 
educational  method.    Stokes. 

The  author  believes  that  the  main  concern 
in  a  child's  life  is  that  manifold  business 
understood  by  him,  and  dimly  by  his  elders, 
as  Play.  The  chapters  on  Acting  Shakes- 
peare in  the  classroom,  Miming  and  the 
ballads,  and  Playmaking  are  suggestive  to 
teachers  and  dramatic  directors. 


Craig,  Mrs.  A.  A.  (T.)  The  dra- 
matic festival.     Putnam. 

She  quickly  passes  beyond  the  conception 
of  dramatic  work  as  a  convenient  device 
for  producing  a  pleasant  entertainment  and 
takes  the  position  that  it  offers  an  almost 
unequalled  method  for  all-round  culture ; 
a  method  for  supplying  in  vivid  form  much 
of  the  intellectual  material  of  the  "regular 
subjects"  which  is  now  frequently  acquired 
in  a  confused  jumble;  a  method  for  height- 
ening the  interest  in  all  school  work;  and 
especially  a  method  for  doing  justice  to  that 
most  neglected  element  in  our  education — 
the  training  of  the  emotions. — Introductory 
chapter  by  Peter  W.  Dykema. 

Curtis,  E.  W.  Dramatic  instinct  in 
education.     Houghton. 

Play,  dancing,  story-telling  and  hearing, 
the  moving  picture  and  pageantry  and  the 
theatre  are  perhaps  nearer  to  the  inmost 
nature  of  children  than  anything  else ;  and 
the  clear,  up-to-date,  temperate  presenta- 
tion of  these  themes  contained  in  this  book 
should  be  known  to  every  intelligent  parent 
and  teacher  .  .  .  Foreword. — G.  Stanley 
Hall. 

Drama  League  of  America.  Plays 
for  children  arranged  by  Kate 
Oglebay. 

A  list  of  best  plays,  which  was  published 
in  1915.  Prefaced  by  suggestions  to  dra- 
matic directors.  The  special  lists  include 
books  of  reference  and  a  few  plays  in 
French  and  German. 

-The  Shakespeare  tercentenary: 


suggestions  for  school  and  college 
celebrations  of  the  tercentenary 
of  Shakespeare's  death  in  1916. 

Invaluable  outlines  "intended  to  be  sug- 
gestive rather  than  definitely  prescriptive." 


10 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Gives  suggested  programs  for  schools,  for 
other  forms  of  celebration,  plans  for  abbre- 
viation of  some  of  the  plays  for  school  pur- 
poses, and  bibliographic  aids  in  the  studj' 
and  staging  of  Shakespeare's  plays. 

Heniger,  Mrs.  A.  M.  (H.)  The  Chil- 
dren's Educational  Theatre.  Har- 
per. 

A  history  of  seven  years  of  unusual  suc- 
cess in  practical  work  and  a  suggestion  of 
what  part  a  children's  educational  theatre 
might  play  in  all  schools  and  in  all  cities. 

■ Kingdom  of  the  child.    Button, 


Mrs.  Heniger  has  had  a  "long  experience 
in  dealing  with  the  creative  instinct  of 
childhood  and  youth  through  the  production 
of  many  plays  and  with  many  casts  of 
players."  In  this  book  she  tells  of  methods 
employed  in  her  "work  of  developing  in 
children  and  adolescents  the  instinct  to 
characterize  or  to  enact  parts  in  games 
and  plays  which  lie  outside  of  their  re- 
stricted environment." 

Hilliard,  E.,  and  others.  Amateur 
and  educational  dramatics.  Mac- 
millan. 

Contents:  What  is  educational  dramatics 
—its  results ;  Games  and  plays  of  children 
in  relation  to  the  drama;  Teaching  reading 
by  means  of  dramatics ;  Dramatization ; 
How  to  write  a  play;  Process  of  produc- 
tion ;  Important  points ;  Analysis  of  two 
scenes ;  The  use  of  the  voice  in  developing 
a  play;  The  body  as  an  instrument  in  ama- 
teur dramatics — its  use,  freedom  and  con- 
trol ;  The  study  of  dramatics  a  help  in  earn- 
ing a  living. 

Johnson,  H.  F.  The  dramatic 
method  of  teaching,    Ginn, 

A  practical  account  of  the  use  of  the 
dramatic  method  in  a  Sussex  village  school, 
especially  as  adapted  to  work  in  history, 
literature  and  geography  and  even  in  arith- 
metic and  nature  study. 

Kimmins,  G.  T.  Guild  of  play 
books.     4  V,  Curwen, 

The  work  of  the  Guild  of  play  at  the 
Bermondsey  University  settlement  in  South- 


east London  is  based  upon  the  idea  of 
play  as  a  fine  art.  Some  of  the  programs 
which  have  been  attractive  and  useful  arc 
here  presented,  and  a  wealth  of  suggestion 
and  direction  is  afforded. 

Part  ]  includes  suggested  programs  and 
materials  for  use  for  special  holidays,  old 
English  customs  and  dances  adapted  for 
the  use  of  children,  with  notes  and  figures. 

Part  2  tells  the  story  of  the  Guild  of  play 
children's  pageants,  and  gives  full  direc- 
tions for  two. — Tale  Qf  Prince  Richard's 
mumming  and  A  Christmas  in  old  Ber- 
mondsey House. 

Part  3  gives  national  dances  and  Part 
4  a  group  of  old  dance  forms  and  customs 
and  a  group  of  flower  and  village  dances 
for  little  children. 

Langdon,  W,  C,  Suggestions  for  the 
celebration  of  the  Fourth  of  July 
by  means  of  pageantry.  Division 
of  Recreation,  Russell  Sage  Foun- 
dation, 

Two  outlines  are  offered  .  .  .  one  for 
a  Celebration  and  the  other  for  a  General 
Pageant,  with  an  episode  that  may  be  used 
in  either. — Preface. 

Mackay,  C.  D.  How  to  produce  chil- 
dren's plays.    Holt. 

Includes  a  history  of  the  children's  play 
movement,  a  chapter  on  its  sociological 
aspects  and  suggestions  for  new  fields,  as 
well  as  chapters  on  play-producing,  scenery, 
costumes,  and  properties.  It  also  gives 
a  full  list  of  plays  adapted  to  the  public 
schools,  arranged  according  to  the  school 
grades,  and  a  bibliography  of  child-drama 
for  special  holidays,  and  for  camp  and 
settlement  use. — Preface. 

Mackay,  C.  D.  Patriotic  drama  in 
your  town:  a  manual  of  sugges- 
tions.    Holt. 

.  .  .  This  little  book  has  striven  to  make 
a  few  suggestions  on  the  subject  of  Ameri- 
canization through  Drama ;  A  City's  Unifi- 
cation through  Drama ;  to  give  a  brief  sur- 
vey of  some  of  the  work  toward  this  end 
done  through  pageantry,  and  by  indoor  and 
outdoor  community  theatres ;  it  also  con- 
tains a  chart  or  dramatic  program  of  prog- 


BOOKS  ABOUT   COSTUME 


11 


ress  for  cities  wishing  to  make  their  plans 
ahead.  And  lastly  it  contains  dramatic  ma- 
terial and  suggestions  for  Patriotic  Cele- 
brations for  National  Holidays,  such  as 
Fourth  of  July,  etc.,  and  for  Community 
Celebrations  for  Christmas. — Preface. 

Mackaye,  P.  W.  The  civic  theatre. 
Mitchell  Kennerley. 

Discusses  the  problem  of  constructive 
leisure,  defines  the  civic  theatre  as  "the 
efficient  instrument  of  the  recreative  arts 
of  a  community,"  and  sets  as  its  seal  and 
motto,  "Imagination  in  recreation." 

Miller,  E.  E.  Dramatization  of  Bible 
stories;  an  experiment  in  the  re- 
ligious education  of  children. 
Univ.  of  Chicago  press. 

Since  dramatization  is  but  a  specialized 
form  of  organized  play,  and  inasmuch  as  it 
can  be  used  very  eflfectively  in  vitalizing  the 
religious  training  which  all  children  should 
receive,  it  deserves  a  wider  recognition  and 
adoption. 

This  book  contains  a  description  of  a 
children's  dramatic  club  which  has  been 
conducted  as  a  part  of  the  work  of  the  Sun- 
day school  of  the  Hyde  Park  Church  of 
Disciples,  Chicago,  Illinois. — Chapter  I. 

,  Miller,  Florence  M.  History  in 
story,  song  and  action.  Educa- 
tional Publishing  Co.    2  v. 

Presents  the  subject  in  the  form  of  inter- 
esting stories,  tableaux,  drills  and  entertain- 
ments. It  is  the  result  of  methods  used  at 
the  State  Normal  School,  Fitchburg,  Mass. 
Material  is  grouped  under  the  twelve 
months  and  special  attention  is  given  to 
simple  celebrations  of  festivals  and  holidays 
which  may  be  connected  with  the  history 
lesson.  It  is  planned  for  primary  grades 
but  may  be  used  for  general  lessons  in 
rural    schools,    and    the    outlines    may    be 


adapted  for  use  in  upper  grades.    Well  illus- 
trated with  photographs. 

Needham,  M.  M.  Folk  festivals; 
their  growth  and  how  to  give 
them.    Huebsch. 

Contents:  The  pioneer  festival;  The 
spirit  of  the  festa;  Festal  heritage;  Choice 
of  subject;  The  use  of  festivals  in  connec- 
tion with  playgrounds  and  schools ;  Psycho- 
logic effects  of  the  festival. 

Oglebay,  K.  List  of  plays  for  chil- 
dren.   H.  W.  Wilson  Co. 

Prepared  for  the  Drama  League  of  New 
York.  Contains  plays  for  children  from 
six  to  sixteen  years  of  age.  For  each  play, 
title,  price  and  publisher  are  given,  also  a 
few  words  of  explanation  to  indicate  the 
type  of  play,  number  of  characters  and 
scenes. — Publisher's   Announcement. 

Perry,  S.  G.  S.  When  mother  lets 
us  act.    Moffat,  Yard. 

A  book  for  the  children's  own  use,  tell- 
ing about  plays  which  they  may  "get  up 
themselves."  Simple  directions  for  tab- 
leaux, shadow  plays,  acting  poems,  making 
the  program  and  many  other  subjects. 

Quigley,  M.  C.  Index  to  kinder- 
garten songs,  including  singing 
games  and  folk  songs.  A.  L.  A. 
Publishing  Board. 

Sixty-three  books  are  fully  indexed  and 
there  is  a  separate  list  of  songs  for  spe- 
cial days. 

Syrett,  N.  Old  miracle  plays  of 
England.    Mowbray. 

How  Colin  and  Margery,  an  English  boy 
and  girl,  watched  the  Miracle  plays  at  York 
five  hundred  years  ago. 


12 


PLAYS    FOR   CHILDREN 


BOOKS  ABOUT  COSTUME 


Boehn,  Max.  Modes  and  manners 
of  the  nineteenth  century,  as  repre- 
sented in  the  pictures  and  engrav- 
ings of  the  time;  tr.  by  M.  Ed- 
wardes.     Dent.  3  v. 

A  study  of  historic  style,  with  a  weaUh 
of  illustration.  Valuable  in  supplying  pag- 
eant material. 

Gordon,  E.  Flower  children.  Vol- 
land. 

Flower  costumes  of  many  kinds  illus- 
trated in  color. 

McClellan,  E.  Historic  dress  in 
America.    Jacobs.    2  v. 

From  the  early  settlements  to  1870.  Each 
volume  contains  a  chapter  on  children's 
garments.  They  are  profusely  illustrated 
in  color,  pen  and  ink  and  halftone  by  S.  B. 
Steel,  and  also  contain  reproductions  from 
photographs  of  rare  portraits  and  original 
garments. 


Mackay,  C.  D.     Costumes  and  scen- 
ery for  amateurs.     Holt. 

.  .  .  Costumes  for  children's  plays  are 
especially  pictured  since  there  is  no  cos- 
tume book  for  children  extant.  Both  chil- 
dren and  adults  will  find  costumes  and 
scene  designs  covering  the  range  of  the 
historical  play,  the  folk  play,  the  fairy  play 
and  the  play  of  fantasy. — Preface. 

Excellent  descriptions,  references  to  illus- 
trations in  other  books,  forty-seven  costume 
plates,  and  fourteen  scene  plates  with  ex- 
planatory notes. 

Schild,    M.      Children's    fancy    cos- 
tumes.    M.  Miller. 

Pictures  and  short  descriptions  of  five 
hundred  costumes  of  all  kinds  for  boys  and 
girls.     Alphabetic  index. 

Stone,   M.     The   Bankside   costume 

book  for  children.    Gardener,  Dar- 

ton  &  Co. 

Directions  for  making  Shakespearian  play 
costumes  which  are  cheap  and  simple,  and 
at  the  same  time  historically  accurate.  In- 
cludes chapters  on  armor  and  weapons,  and 
ecclesiastical  and  legal  dress.  Many  illus- 
trations and  full  index. 


FOLK  DANCES  AND  SINGING  GAMES 


Brown,  F.  W.  and  Boyd,  N.  L.  Old 
English  and  American  games  for 
school  and  playground.  Saul 
Brothers. 

A  collection  of  singing  games  of  English 
origin.     Includes  Maypole  dances. 

Burchenal,  E.  American  country- 
dances.     Vol.  1.     Schirmer. 

This  present  volume  contains  some  of 
the  old  country-dances  which  are  most  es- 
sentially American  folk-dances  because  they 
have  grown  here.  Some  of  them  are  slightly 
reminiscent  of  English  country-dances  and 
were  probably  originally  suggested  by  or 
evolved  from  them.  Most  of  them,  how- 
ever, seem  to  be  products  of  this  country, 
and  all  have  a  typical  and  distinctly  individ- 
ual quality  of  their  own,  both  in  their  form 
and  the  manner  and  style  in  which  they 
are  danced. — Preface, 


Folk  dances  and  singing  games. 

Schirmer. 

Twenty-six  folk-dances  of  Norway,  Swe- 
den. Denmark,  Russia,  Bohemia,  Hungary, 
Italy,  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland,  with 
the  music,  full  directions  for  performance, 
and  numerous  illustrations. — Subtitle. 

Crampton,  C.   W.     The  folk  dance 

book.    Barnes. 

A  description  of  folk  dances  used  in  the 
schools  and  playgrounds  of  New  York  City, 
together  with  the  appropriate  music,  and 
suggestions  for  the  grades  to  which  they 
are  suited. 

Crawford,  C.     Dramatic  games  and 
dances  for  little  children.    Barnes. 

Many  of  the  games  given  in  this  collec- 
tion are  taken  directly  from  children's  plots 
and  stories.     Some  have  been  brought  into 


FOLK    DANCES    AND    SINGING    GAMES 


13 


more  definite  form,  and  some  remain,  with- 
out the  music,  in  the  form  that  the  child- 
artist  left  them.  .  .  .  The  plays  and  dances 
that  are  related  to  literature  in  use  in  the 
schools  are  suggestions  of  the  kinds  of 
dances  and  plays  that  have  artistic  value. — 
Preface. 

Folk  dances  and  games.  Barnes. 

Music  and  directions  for  folk  dances  of 
many  countries. 

Fletcher,  A.  C.  Indian  games  and 
dances  with  native  songs.  Birch- 
ard. 

Arranged  from  American  Indian  cere- 
monials and  sports  "in  order  that  our  young 
people  may  recognize,  enjoy  and  share  in 
the  spirit  of  the  olden  life  upon  this  con- 
tinent." 

Hofer,  M.  R.  Children's  singing 
games.     Flanagan. 

A  collection  of  favorites  grouped  under 
soldier,  running  and  chasing  games,  rep- 
resentations of  trades  and  domestic  life 
and  social  themes. 

-Popular  folk  games  and  dances. 


Flanagan. 

Contents:  Social  exchange;  Games  of 
visiting,  greeting  and  play ;  Simple  activi- 
ties, gymnastic  movements ;  Imitative  and 
dramatic  games ;  Bridge,  knight  and  castle 
games ;  Games  of  the  May  and  seasons ; 
Song  dances  and  simple  national  dances. 

Hornby,  J.  The  joyous  book  of  sing- 
ing games.     Macmillan. 

Traditional  games  in  which  may  be  found 
"a  hale  heartiness  in  honest  doing,  in  sow- 
ing and  ploughing,  in  land-faring  and  sea- 
faring." 

Kirk,  Mrs.  F.  (H.)  Rhythmic  games 
and   dances   for   children. 


Long- 


mans. 


Contents:  Exercises  and  games  for  cliil- 
dren  under  five;  Games  without  music;  Old 
English  games  and  dances  :  Swedish  games 
and  dances ;  Various  marches  and  steps. 


Lamkin,  N.  B.  Dances,  drills  and 
story-plays.     Denison. 

Contains  folk  dances  of  various  nations, 
dances  of  the  seasons,  twenty-four  drills 
and  many  story-plays  and  rhymes,  all 
clearly  described.  Music  and  costumes  are 
suggested. 

Lincoln,  J.  E.  C.  May-pole  possi- 
bilities.    American  Gymnasia  Co. 

A  description  of  a  May-pole  celebration 
given  at  the  University  of  Illinois,  includ- 
ing the  Pennant  March,  figure  marching, 
the  Milkmaid  and  Peasant  dances  and  clas- 
sic dancing.  Diagrams  accompanying  the 
dances  and  marches  are  in  the  text. 

Moses,   Mrs.  I.  E.    (P.)     Rhythmic 

action  plays  and  dances.    Bradley. 

A  book  of  original  games  and  dances, 
arranged  progressively,  to  Mother  Goose 
and  other  action  songs  with  a  teaching  in- 
troductory; for  the  kindergarten,  primary 
scliool,  playground  and  gymnasium. — Title 
Page. 

Pedersen,  D.  and  Boyd,  N.  L.  Folk 
games  and  gymnastic  play.  Saul 
Brothers. 

Selected  from  the  Danish,  and  asserted 
to  be  traditionally  correct. 

Perkins,  R.  The  dansant  for  little 
folks.  Hearst's  International  Li- 
brary Co. 

Old-time  game  songs  with  easy  accom- 
paniments, new  simple  piano  pieces  for 
children's  home  dancing  parties  and  a  mu- 
sical recitation  :  The  fisherman. — Title  Page. 

Steelier,  W.  A.     Games  and  dances. 

McVey. 

The  fundamental  forms  of  a  limited 
number  of  the  best  games  and  dances  are 
presented,  arranged  in  nine  progressive 
grades. 

Van  Cleve,  C.  Folk  dances  for 
young  people.     Milton  Bradley. 

The  song-dances  in  this  book  are  adapted 
to  American  needs  from  Swedish.  Danish 
and  Norwegian  originals. — Prelude. 


INDEX  TO  PLAYS 


Abbott.    See  Changing  of  the  keys. 

Abe  Lincoln  and  Little  A.  D.    MEC, 

p.  107. 

A.  D.,  a  small  boy  who  must  write  a 
composition  on  Abraham  Lincoln,  falls 
asleep  and  dreams  of  Lincoln,  the  child; 
Lincoln,  the  youth,  and  Lincoln,  the  man. 
One  act.    For  four  boys.    Simple  directions. 

Abolition  of  slavery.     GOA,  bk.  5, 

p.  36. 

From  the  beginning  of  the  fight  against 
the  British  slave  trade  until  the  bill  is 
passed  for  the  abolition  of  slavery  in  Brit- 
ish colonies.  Three  short  scenes.  For  nine- 
teen boys  and  extras.     For  class  room  use. 

Abraham  Lincoln.    BI,  p.  271. 

How  Lincoln,  the  boy,  read  by  the  flick- 
ering light  of  the  open  fire  whatever  books 
he  could  get ;  how  his  honesty  as  a  clerk 
in  a  general  store  at  Salem  was  demon- 
strated ;  how  he  saved  an  innocent  man 
from  conviction  for  murder ;  and  how  as 
President  of  the  United  States  he  par- 
doned a  boy  who  slept  at  his  post.  Four 
scenes  for  twelve  boys  and  three  girls. 

Abraham  Lincoln.    W. 

Six  scenes  in  chronological  order  from 
the  life  of  Abraham  Lincoln.  From  two  to 
eight  characters.     For  school-room  use. 

Abraham  Lincoln  and  the  little  bird. 

JO,  p.  62. 

Lincoln  gets  off  his  horse  and  puts  back 
a  little  bird  that  has  fallen  from  its  nest 
in  the  woods.     For  four  little  boys. 

Abraham   Lincoln   episode.     MAG, 

p.  85. 

A  "Lincoln  cabin  scene"  at  Little  Creek, 
Indiana,  in  1823,  with  young  settlers  and 
Indians  as  characters,  and  Lincoln  as  the 
central  figure.  For  seven  boys,  three  girls, 
and  extras.  Directions  given.  Plays  twenty- 
five  minutes. 

Abraham  Lincoln ;  railsplitter.  MAG, 

p.  156. 

A  simple  homely  scene  showing  the  pa- 
tience and  perseverance  of  the  "gaunt,  raw- 
boned,  kindly  eyed  lad."  For  six  boys  and 
four  girls.  Simple  costumes.  Directions 
given.     Plays  thirty-five  minutes. 


Adam  Bede.     See  Mrs.  Poyser  has 
her  say  out. 

Adventure  of  my  aunt.     SI,  second 
year,  p.  87. 

How  "my  aunt,"  with  the  aid  of  the  maid, 
the  steward,  the  coachman,  the  cook,  the 
butler,  and  the  footman,  put  a  robber  to 
rout.  Dramatized  for  High  School  use 
from  Irving's  Tales  of  a  Traveller.  One 
short  scene  for  six  boys  and  two  girls. 

Adventures  of  the  first  spring.  SKB, 

p.  86. 

Two  little  children  carry  a  spring  violet 
to  a  little  lame  girl.  For  eight  little  chil- 
dren. 

Aladdin    and    the    wonderful   lamp. 
SK,  p.  181. 

Aladdin  visits  the  cave  and  secures  the 
most  wonderful  lamp  in  the  world.  Nar- 
rative from  the  Arabian  Nights. 

Alcestis.     COA,  p.  165. 

The  wife  of  Admetus  saves  his  life  by 
dying  in  his  stead,  and  is  afterward  brought 
back  from  Pluto's  Kingdom  by  Hercules. 
Seven  scenes  for  six  boys. 

Alfred  the  Great.  MAB,  First  series 

"Lo,  I  come  to  tell  the  story 
Of    our    England's    mighty    King. 
Far-off  founder  of  her  glory, 
Alfred  wise  and  good  I  sing." 

An  historical  play  in  four  acts  covering 
the  time  from  King  Alfred's  childhood  until 
near  the  end  of  his  reign.  For  sixteen 
boys  and  four  girls.  Costume  illustrations. 
Music  suggested.     Full  directions. 

Alfred  the  Great.    See  also  King  Al- 
fred. 

Ali  Baba.    BE,  p.  1. 

"S,e,s,a,m,e — you  see. 

And  that's  what  you  must  say. 
S,e,s,a,m,e — you  see 
For  that's  the  only  way." 

Tlie  story  of  the  forty  thieves  arranged 
in  three  acts  for  five  boys  and  three  girls. 
Songs  with  music.  Directions  for  cos- 
tumes and  scenery. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


15 


Alice  in  Wonderland.    FI. 

An  arrangement  in  eight  scenes  for  some 
fifteen  characters.  Notes  on  music,  dances 
and  costumes. 

Alice  in  Wonderland.    GE. 

A  dramatization  by  Alice  Gersteriberg  of 
Alice's  Adventures  in  Wonderland  and 
Through  the  Looking  Glass.  Produced  at 
the  Fine  Arts  Theatre,  Chicago,  and  the 
Booth  Theatre,  New  York.  Three  acts. 
For  thirteen  boys  and  four  girls.  Costume 
illustrations. 

Alice  in  Wonderland.    HAC. 

A  play  for  children  in  three  acts  .  .  . 
with  tableaux,  songs  and  dances.  Arranged 
by  Mrs.  C.  C.  Harrison.  Illustrations  by 
John  Tenniel.  For  sixteen  boys,  four  girls 
and  extras.  Full  directions.  Plays  one 
hour. 

Alice  in  Wonderland.     KN,  p.  31. 

The  mock  turtle  explains  the  school  in 
the  sea  and  the  lobster  quadrille  to  Alice, 
who  wants  to  know  his  history.  Adapted 
from  Lewis  Carroll's  story  and  arranged 
for  three  parts. 

Alice  in  Wonderland.    NI,  p.  87. 

Six  short  scenes  simply  arranged  for  sec- 
ond grade  children.  Includes : — Alice  and 
the  Cheshire  cat;  The  mad  tea-party;  The 
Mock  Turtle's  story;  'Tis  the  voice  of  the 
sluggard;  The  lobster  quadrille;  The  trial. 
From  two  to  seven  characters. 

Alice  in  Wonderland.  See  also 
Alice's  adventures  with  the 
queens;  Mad  tea-party;  Through 
the  looking-glass ;  Tweedledum 
and  Tweedledee. 

Alice's  adventures  with  the  queens. 
LA,  p.  55. 

Tells  of  the  queen's  garden  and  of  Alice 
as  a  queen  herself.  In  story  form,  with 
helps  for  dramatization. 

Alligator  and  the  jackal.  DO,  p.  122. 

The  ugly  old  alligator  tries  his  best  to 
get  the  little  jackal,  but  the  jackal  is  far 
too  clever  for  him.     For  two  children. 

Ambition  in  Whitechapel.  KR,  p. 
133. 

Tells  of  confirmation  and  its  meaning  to 
two  girls.     Intended   for   a   Shabuot   cele- 


bration. One  act.  For  five  girls  and  one 
boy.  Full  directions.  For  Jewish  religious 
schools.     Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Amelia  and  the  dwarfs.    WI,  p.  124. 

"All  under  the  sun  belongs  to  men, 
All  under  the  moon  to  the  fairies. 

So,  so,  so  !    Ho,  ho,  ho ! 
All  under  the  moon  to  the  fairies." 

How  the  dwarfs  punished  Amelia  for 
her  carelessness,  and  how  she  came  safe 
home  again.  Adapted  from  Mrs.  Ewing. 
Arranged  for  six  boys  and  three  girls  in 
primary  grades. 

America.    GOA,  bk.  5,  p.  7. 

Four  short  scenes  covering  the  period 
from  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  to  the 
signing  of  the  Declaration  of  Independence. 
For  thirteen  girls  and  Herald.  For  class- 
room use. 

America  pays  her  debt  to  France. 
HX,  p.  178. 

The  ceremony  at  the  tomb  of  Lafayette 
in  Paris,  July  14,  1917,  when  General  Persh- 
ing made  his  famous  speech,  "Lafayette, 
we  are  here."  A  one-act  play  for  third  and 
fourth  grade  children,  for  two  boys,  eight 
girls,  and  extras. 

America  the  wonderland.    E. 

A  patriotic  festival  arranged  by  the  sixth 
and  seventh  grade  pupils  in  the  New  York 
Ethical  Culture  School.  Written  to  express 
the  idea  that  "America  is  the  great  school 
in  which  all  the  nations  are  gathered  in 
unity  under  one  government."  Pictures  the 
progress  of  the  centuries  and  embodies  the 
"ideal  of  a  Republic  built  on  the  uncommon 
fineness  in  the  common  man."  Prologue 
and  five  episodes.  Number  of  children  dis- 
cretionary. Interpretative  dances.  Music 
partly  given,  partly  suggested.  Costumes 
illustrated.     Very  full  directions. 

America,  yesterday  and  today.    L. 

The  spirit  of  Indian  Days,  the  Spirit  of 
the  Wilderness  and  the  Spirit  of  Patriotism 
are  seen  in  three  episodes  which  furnish 
opportunity  for  introducing  many  groups 
of  characters.  A  pageant  arranged  by  Nina 
B.  Lamkin  for  from  one  hundred  to  five 
hundred  persons.  Very  full  directions 
given  for  production. 

Angler's  reveille.    LUB,  v.  3,  p.  158. 

Henry  Van  Dyke's  poem  of  the  songs  of 
the    birds    arranged     for    presentation    by 


16 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


twelve  children.     Music  of  four  bird  songs 
by  Theresa  Joseph. 

Anita's  secret.     H,  p.  47. 

"We're  sailing  to  America, 
Away  across  the  sea, 
We're   happy   little   immigrants, 
Our  hearts  are  light  and  free." 
A  group  of  merry  little  folk  from  many 
countries  are  happily  surprised  on  Christ- 
rnas  Eve  when   Santa   Claus   comes   in   his 
airship  to  visit  them  in  the  steerage.     One 
act.     For  ten  boys  and  seven  girls.     Songs 
vvith  music.     Costume  illustrations.     Direc- 
tions given.     Plays  about  one  hour  and  fif- 
teen minutes. 

Answer.    TY,  p.  1. 

The  Spirit  of  American  Democracy  with 
the  sword  of  Justice  and  the  shield  of 
Truth  and  upheld  by  the  strength  of  the 
people  attacks  and  overcomes  War,  which 
has  made  captive  the  nations  of  Europe. 
Simple  directions.  For  a  large  number  of 
characters,  adults  or  older  children. 

Ant  and  the  caterpillar.     PR,  p.  58. 

When  a  clumsy  caterpillar  becomes  a 
beautiful  butterfly  the  ant  which  despised 
him  is  filled  with  admiration.  Two  tiny 
acts  for  two  little  children. 

Ant  and  the  cricket.    NI,  p.  39. 

An  ant  refuses  to  help  a  poor  cricket, 
because  "he  who  lives  without  work  must 
go  without  food."  Two  very  short  scenes 
for  two  little  children. 

Antonio  Canova.     SCB,  p.  154. 

Little  Antonio,  grandson  of  Pasino,  a 
stonecutter,  carves  such  a  wonderful  lion 
from  butter  that  Count  Falieri  offers  the 
little  sculptor  a  chance  to  become  great  and 
famous.  Three  short  scenes  for  eleven 
boys  and  extras. 

Anychild  and  her  flag.     PAC,  p.  73. 

Patriotism  teaches  Anychild  to  love  and 
reverence  the  emblem  of  our  country.  For 
six  girls  and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

Anychild  helps  the  Baby  Tree.  PAC, 
p.  39. 

A  little  play  for  Arbor  day  which  tells 
how  a  Fiaby  Tree  which  was  frigiitened  and 
ran  away  from  the  nursery  is  encouraged 
by  Anychild  to  be  happy  to  be  planted  in 
front  of  the  school.  For  four  boys,  live 
girls  and  extras.     Simple  directions. 


Anychild  learns  from  Lincoln.  PAC, 
p.  n. 

Anychild  is  jealous  because  Tilly  Tene- 
ment has  won  a  prize  for  the  best  Lincoln 
composition.  Conscience  summons  Charity 
and  her  attendants,  who  put  some  of  Lin- 
coln's good  kind  thoughts  into  Anychild's 
dreams  so  that  when  she  wakens  she  real- 
izes her  meanness.  For  fifteen  girls.  Sim- 
ple directions. 

Anychild  meets  Memory.     PAC,  p. 
57. 

A  little  play  for  Memorial  day  showing 
how  Memory  pictures  for  Anychild  the 
heroism  of  the  men  who  died  in  the  Civil 
war,  and  how  Foresight  encourages  her  to 
tend  her  garden  to  get  food  for  the  nation. 
For  fourteen  girls.     Simple  directions. 

Anychild   preparing   for   Christmas. 
PAC,  p.  129. 

Crafty  Dame  Ego  and  sunny  Dame  Altru 
struggle  for  the  mastery  of  .Anychild's 
heart.  When  Dame  Ego  is  banished  the 
Christmas  spirit  enters  bringing  peace  and 
happiness.  For  two  boys,  seven  girls  and 
extras.     Simple  directions. 

Anychild's  vision  of  blessings.  PAC, 
p.  117. 

A  little  play  for  Thanksgiving  day  in 
which  Benefice,  angel  of  blessings,  touches 
Anychild  with  her  golden  wand.  There- 
upon Anychild  has  a  beautiful  dream,  and 
learns  to  feel  real  thankfulness.  For 
twenty-nine  characters.     Simple  directions. 

Apollo,  the  child  of  light.    SE,  p.  31, 
125. 

A  simple  narrative  version  illustrated 
with  many  photographs  of  children  in 
Greek  costume  posing  in  the  scenes  from 
the  myths.  To  be  acted  in  pantomime  or 
dramatized  from  text  and  pictures.  A  dra- 
matic version  arranged  in  four  short  acts 
for  six  boys  and  three  girls  is  also  given. 
Suggestions  to  teachers. 

Apple  of  discord.    DU,  232. 

Paris  awards  the  golden  apple  to  "the 
most  fair,"  Venus.  A  short  two-act  play 
in  verse  for  two  boys  and  three  girls.  Con- 
tains a  Song  to  Thetis  and  a  shepherd's 
song.  Costumes  described.  Directions  given. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


17 


April  fool.    OL,  p.  43. 

It  is  the  eve  before  the  first  day  of  April 
and  the  Fools  are  planning  how  they  can 
punish  Jack.  They  are  angry  with  him 
because  every  year  he  makes  of  them  such 
foolish  funny  April  Fools.  So  Peter  Fool 
and  Jenny  Fool  and  Jolly  Fool  and  Simon 
Fool  and  the  little  crying  Baby  Fool  catch 
the  boy  and — happily  Mother  comes  to  the 
rescue! — Program.  A  "play  of  joHity"  in 
one  act  for  four  boys  and  three  girls  and 
"as  many  other  little  Fools  as  desired." 
Costume  designs  and  simple  directions. 

Arachne.     COA,  p.   106, 

Story  of  the  spinning  contest  between  the 
goddess  Minerva  and  Arachne,  who  is  pun- 
ished for  her  pride  by  being  changed  into 
a  spider.     Two  scenes  for  six  girls. 

Arbor  day.    JO,  p.  155. 

A  little  maple  that  wants  room  to  grow 
is  moved  from  the  woods  to  live  near  a 
school,  and  the  children  celebrate  Arbor 
day.  Two  little  acts  for  eleven  little  chil- 
dren. 

Archer  and  the  trumpeter.    SCB,  p. 
29. 

A  trumpet  proves  more  powerful  than 
bow  and  arrows  when  archer  and  trump- 
eter are  set  upon  in  the  forest  by  robbers. 
For  eight  or  more  boys. 

Archery  contest.    LAS,  p.  130. 

How  Locksley  shoots  and  hits  a  willow 
wand  at  five  score  yards.  A  scene  from 
Ivanhoe  for  three  boys  and  extras.  Simple 
directions. 

Arion.     COA,  p.  182. 

How  the  musician  Arion  sprang  into  the 
sea  to  escape  from  some  greedy  seamen, 
and  how  a  dolphin  carried  him  safe  to 
shore.    Four  short  scenes  for  five  boys. 

Arrow-maker's  daughter.    SM. 

A  Camp  Fire  play,  adapted  from  Long- 
fellow's poem  of  Hiawatha,  giving  those 
scenes  which  have  to  do  with  Minnehaha, 
the  arrow-maker's  daughter.  Follows  closely 
the  lines  of  the  poem.  Five  scenes.  For 
nine  boys,  four  girls,  and  extras.  Descrip- 
tion of  dances,  scenery  and  costumes.  Di- 
rections given. 


Artist-mother  and  child.     MED,  p. 
89. 

A  short  play  about  the  picture,  Mme. 
Vigee  Lebrun  and  her  daughter,  painted  by 
Mme.  Lebrun.     For  two  girls.     Directions. 

At  anchor.    TU,  p.  126. 

A  story  of  how  John  Billington  set  fire 
to  the  good  ship  Mayflower. — Contents.  For 
four  boys  and  one  girl.     Short. 

At  "Jenny  Wren's".    BRO,  p.  191. 

The  little  doll's  dressmaker  tells  Charlie 
Hexam  and  Bradley  Headstone  about  her 
trade,  and  scolds  "Her  bad  child,"  her 
father,  who  stumbles  home  the  worse  for 
drink.  One  scene  from  Dickens's  "Our 
mutual  friend."  For  three  boys  and  two 
girls.  Costume  illustration.  Full  direc- 
tions.    Plays  fifteen  minutes. 

At  the  back  of  the  North  Wind.    See 
Diamond  and  the  North  Wind. 

At  the  Gate  of  Peace,     PAB,  p.  31. 

"Now   enter,    dear    Mankind,    the    Gate   of 

Peace, 
Bid  warfare  stop  and  petty  quarrels  cease ! 
God  rules  the  world,  let  mortals  serve  and 

praise. 
Kingdoms     are    going.       Welcome     happy 

days !" 

A  pageant-play  for  ten  characters  and 
many  extras.     Directions  given. 

At  the  owl's  school.    LAN,  p.  44. 

Beasts  and  birds  and  flowers  try  to  an- 
swer Old  wisdom's  question.  Why  does 
the  moon  shine  in  the  sky.  From  an  Indian 
fable.    Arranged  in  seven  parts. 

At  the  White  House,  1863.     WAC, 

p.  134. 

Ten  "men  of  affairs  from  New  York" 
and  a  woman  seeking  a  pardon  for  her 
husband  wait  outside  Mr.  Lincoln's  room. 
For  thirteen  boys  and  one  girl.  Simple 
directions.    Short. 

Atalanta.     COA,  p.  144. 

By  the  aid  of  Venus,  Hippomenes  out- 
strips Atalanta  in  the  race,  and  wins  her 
for  his  wife.  Two  scenes  for  six  boys  and 
four  girls. 

Aunt  Grundy.    BUB,  p,  327. 

A  one-act  "moral  play"  about  the  fa- 
mous Mrs.  Grundy,  a  "very  important  per- 


18 


PLAYS  FOR  CHILDREN 


son  in  Primville."  For  two  boys  and  four 
girls.  Directions  for  costumes  and  setting. 
Humorous. 

Babes  in  the  woods.    RI,  p.  23 ;  SA, 
p.  240. 

"We  are  poor  little  babes  in  the  woods, 
And  we've  tried  all  the  week  to  be  good." 

An  "impromptu  musical  tragedy"  written 
by  Mrs.  Laura  E.  Richards,  with  the  Babes, 
Robin,  a  Wicked  Uncle  and  two  Remorse- 
less Fiends  as  characters.  The  lines  are 
sung  to  the  air,  "The  Bold  Young  Lumber- 
man."   Very  short.     Music  for  a  dance. 

Babouscka.    SK,  p.  81. 

Poem  by  Edith  M.  Thomas. 

Babushka.    C,  p.  209. 

Tells  the  story  of  the  strange  old  woman 
who,  refusing  at  the  Wise  Men's  call  to 
follow  the  star  to  the  manger  of  the  new- 
born Christ,  has  ever  since  in  the  winter 
season  wandered  over  the  world,  seeking 
in  every  nursery,  in  every  cradle,  for  the 
Holy  Child. — Contents. 

A  Russian  legend.  One  scene.  For  ten 
boys,  eleven  girls,  two  men  or  older  boys, 
and  one  woman  or  older  girl.  Two  carols. 
Notes  on  setting,  music  and  costume.  Plays 
thirty  minutes.   . 

Baby  New  Year.    A. 

Father  Christmas  and  the  Old  Year  start 
the  New  Year  on  its  way.  "An  episode" 
in  verse  for  three  little  boys.  Illustrated. 
One  song  with  music.     Directions.     Short. 

Baby  seed's  song.    SK,  p.  163. 

Poem  by  E.  Nesbit. 

Baby-land.     DO,  p.  22. 

Poem  by  George  Cooper  arranged  for 
six  parts. 

Bag  o'  dreams.     DR,  Jan.,  1921,  p. 

131. 

The  Sandman,  who  gives  people  their 
dreams,  and  takes  them  away,  too,  comes 
upon  a  small  boy  alone  in  a  park.  To  the 
boy's  delight  the  Sandman  empties  his  bag 
of  dreams  on  the  grass,  and,  best  of  all, 
gives  him  the  dream  he  wistfully  asks  for. 
A  one-act  play  by  Margretta  Scott.  Two 
spoken  parts  and  ten  characters  who  appear 
as  dreams. 


Balboa  discovers  the  Pacific  Ocean. 
HX,  p.  18. 

From  the  top  of  a  hill  on  the  narrowest 
part  of  our  Continent,  a  wide  and  won- 
derful ocean  is  seen.  A  very  short,  two- 
act  play  for  third  and  fourth  grade  chil- 
dren.    For  six  boys. 

Ballad  of  the  oysterman.    S,  p.  81. 

Poem  by  Oliver  Wendell  Holmes  ar- 
ranged as  a  shadow-pantomime.  Music 
given.  For  two  boys  and  a  girl.  Full 
directions. 

Barbara  Frietchie.    HX,  p.  152. 

"In  the  Civil  war  the  State  of  Maryland 
was  on  the  Northern  side.  The  Southern 
army  marched  into  Fredericktown,  a  city 
of  Maryland,  and  pulled  down  all  the  flags, 
all  our  dear  stars  and  stripes, — except  one." 
A  short  two-act  play  taken  from  the  poem 
of  the  name  by  Longfellow.  For  three 
boys,  ten  girls,  and  many  extras.  For  third 
and  fourth  grades. 

Bardell  versus  Pickwick.     COD,  p. 

48. 

Six  scenes  from  Dickens's  Pickwick  Pa- 
pers :  Mrs.  Bardell  misunderstands  Mr. 
Pickwick's  explanation  that  he  is  about  to 
engage  Sam  Weller  as  his  manservant. 
While  the  Pickwickians  are  dining  with  Mr. 
Wardle  at  the  Angel,  Mr.  Pickwick  learns 
that  Mrs.  Bardell  has  commenced  action 
against  him  for  breach  of  promise ;  Mr. 
Pickwick  visits  Dodson  and  Fogg,  solicitors 
for  Mrs.  Bardell ;  Sam  Weller  calls  on  Mrs. 
Bardell  to  give  his  governor's  notice  and 
to  pay  the  rent ;  Dodson  and  Fogg  subpoena 
Snodgrass,  Tupman,  Winkle  and  Sam 
Weller;  Mr.  Pickwick's  trial  takes  place, 
and  the  jury  returns  a  verdict  for  the 
plaintiff,  with  damages  at  seven  hundred 
and  fifty  pounds.  For  nineteen  boys,  three 
girls  and  extras.     Directions  given. 

Bardell  v.  Pickwick.    PER,  p.  77. 

Except  for  a  few  minor  differences,  this 
court  scene  is  the  same  as  the  last  scene  in 
the  preceding  entry.  For  thirteen  boys, 
three  girls,  and  many  extras.  Three  cos- 
tume plates.     Stage  directions. 

Barmecide  feast.    LAN,  p.  149. 

The  rich  Barmecide  finds  in  the  beggar 
Shacabac  the  only  man  who  has  been  able 
to  endure  his  jest  of  an  empty  feast,  and 
has  got  back  at  him  with  a  better  jest  of 


INDEX   TO    PLAYS 


xl9 


his  own.  An  Arabian  Nights  story  arranged 
for  three  boys. 

Barnaby  Lee.  LUA,  p.  27 ;  LUB,  v. 
2,  p.  168. 

Dramatization  of  John  Bennett's  story  of 
Barnaby  Lee,  a  lad  who  is  kidnapped  and 
brought  to  New  Amsterdam  on  a  pirate 
ship.  Seven  short  scenes.  For  seven  boys, 
one  girl,  and  many  extras.  Costumes  sug- 
gested. Simple  directions.  Plays  thirty- 
five  minutes. 

Barnaby  Rudge.  See  Great  Protest- 
ant Association;  Hatching  a  con- 
spiracy; Stranger's  visit;  Stormy 
scenes  in  the  Varden  household. 

Baucis  and  Philemon.     WIC,  p.  83. 

The  gods  grant  the  loving  wish  of  a 
peasant  and  his  wife  that  they  may  be  to- 
gether all  their  lives,  and  then  may  go  to- 
gether from  this  world.  Their  spirits  pass 
into  the  friendly  trees,  and  they  happily 
whisper  each  other's  names  as  they  sway 
in  the  wind.  Two  scenes.  For  four  boys 
and  four  girls.  Suggestions  for  staging  and 
costumes. 

Bearskin.     SO,  p.  67. 

In  order  to  save  her  father  from  poverty, 
Beauty  promises  to  marry  the  monster, 
Bearskin,  who  proves  to  be  "a  prince  of  a 
great  country."  Two  acts.  For  two  boys 
and  three  girls.  Illustrations  suggest  cos- 
tumes.    Simple  directions. 

Bearskin, 
beast. 


See  also  Beauty  and  the 


Beautiful  song.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  79. 

The  red  bird's  own  song  saves  it  from 
the  hunters  who  would  kill  it  that  the  queen 
may  have  its  feathers  for  her  cap.  For 
twelve  little  children,  and  many  extras. 

Beauty  and  the  beast.     BE,  p.  109 

Fatima,  daughter  of  Abou  Cassim,  is  sold 
to  the  beast,  who  proves  to  be  the  Prince 
Furryskin.  Six  scenes  for  three  boys  and 
three  girls.  Songs  with  music.  Costumes 
suggested.    Full  directions. 

Beauty  and  the  beast.  BUB,  p.  207. 

In  this  version  of  the  familiar  fairy  tale, 
"Prince  Auto"  has  been  changed  by  the 
Golliwogs  into  the  "Motorbeast."  For  six 
boys  and  three  girls.  Full  directions.  Short. 


Beauty  and  the  beast.     N,  p.  101. 

"Hurrah,  then,  for  the  king! 

For  he  is  Beast  no  longer. 
Ring  out,  glad  bells,  ring  a  ding  a  ding  a  ding, 
Tho'  evil  is  a  very  powerful  thing, 

Yet  love,  true  love,  is  stronger. 
Ring  a  ding!" 

A  play  in  four  scenes  from  the  old  tale. 
For  two  boys  and  eighteen  girls.  Simple 
directions. 

Beauty  and  the  beast.    RI,  p.  31. 

"My  name  it  is  Beauty 
I'm  foremost  in  duty, 
In  looks  and  behavior 
In  morals  and  all." 

A  jolly  little  operetta  in  four  scenes  based 
on  the  old  tale,  and  to  be  sung  to  familiar 
airs.  For  two  boys  and  three  girls.  Illus- 
trations suggest  costumes. 

Beauty  and  the  beast.     U,  p.  24. 

A  simple  version  in  six  short  scenes  for 
school  use.  Three  songs  for  chorus  of 
fairies.  For  two  boys  and  three  girls. 
Simple  directions. 

Beauty  and  the  beast.  'See  also  Bear- 
skin; Masque  of  Beauty  and  the 
beast. 

Because  he  loved  David  so.     KR,  p. 

163. 

The  effect  on  an  imaginative  boy  of  the 
story  of  David  and  Goliath.  One  act.  For 
eight  boys  and  two  girls.  Full  directions. 
For  Jewish  religious  schools.  Plays  twenty 
minutes. 

Beggar's  daughter  of  Bethnal  Green. 
LA,  p.  183. 

"And   every   brave   gallant,    that   once   did 

her  see. 
Was   straightway  in   love  with  this   pretty 

Bessie." 

Ballad  and  narrative,  with  helps  for 
dramatization. 

Beginning  of  negro  slavery.  TU,  p. 

44. 

A  story  of  the  first  landing  of  slaves  in 
Virginia  by  a  Dutch  schooner. — Contents. 
For  four  boys  and  extras.    Very  short. 

Bella  Wilfer's  return.    PER,  p.  219. 

Mrs.  Wilfer  and  Lavinia  find  a  wearing 
subject  to  discuss,  and  Bella  confesses  to 


30 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


her  father,  R.  W.,  her  affection  for  John 
Rokesmith.  One  scene  from  Our  Mutual 
Friend.  For  three  boys  and  three  girls. 
Four  costume  plates.     Stage  directions. 

Belling  the  cat.     LAN,  p.  16. 

The  mice  hold  a  council  in  the  barn  to 
decide  which  little  mouse  shall  hang  a  bell 
on  the  cat's  neck  to  warn  them  of  her  ap- 
proach. Arranged  from  the  fable  for  eight 
parts. 

Belling  the  cat.     SKB,  p.  37. 

Another  arrangement  for  four  little 
children. 

Belling  the   cat.     See   also   Rats   in 
council. 

Benjamin  Franklin.     BI,  p.  199. 

Benjamin  goes  to  work  for  his  brother ; 
arrives  in  Philadelphia  and  becomes  ac- 
quainted with  Deborah  Reed;  flies  his  kite 
in  a  thunderstorm ;  and  represents  the 
United  States  at  the  court  of  Louis  XVI. 
Four  scenes  for  six  boys  and  five  girls. 

Benjamin  Franklin.    WA. 

Plight  scenes  in  chronological  order  from 
the  life  of  Benjamin  Franklin.  From  two 
to  six  characters  and  extras.  More  prac- 
tical for  school-room  use  than  for  actual 
dramatization. 

Benjamin  Franklin  episode.     MAG, 

p.  74. 

"Crossing  the  Common  in  the  morning  sun 
Young  Benjamin  comes ;  about  him  hung 
Symbols  of  trade  and  hope — kite,  candles, 

book. 
The  crystal  gazer  enters,  bids  him  look 
At  all  the  guerdon  that  the  years  will  bring." 

Two  scenes.  For  eight  characters  and 
many  extras  as  pages,  courtiers,  shepherd- 
esses and  flower  girls.  Five  dances.  Music 
suggested.  Full  directions.  Plays  thirty 
minutes. 

Benjamin      Franklin,      journeyman. 
MAG,  p.  113. 

Franklin,  "shabby,  travel-stained,  and 
boyishly  appealing,"  enters  the  tavern  in 
Philadelphia  known  as  the  Crooked  Billet, 
where  he  meets  Deborah  Reed  and  makes 
a  friend.  One  act.  For  three  boys  and  two 
girls.     Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Bernard   Palissy,    enameller   to    his 

majesty.    ST,  bk.  4,  p.  71. 

Palissy,  the  potter,  discovers  the  secret 
of  making  enamel,  and  is  proclaimed   the 


greatest  artist  in  France.    Three  scenes  f®r 
ten  boys,  seven  girls,  and  extras. 

Betsey  Trotwood  at  home.  BRO, 
p.  125. 

Betsey  Trotwood,  at  whose  home  David 
has  sought  refuge,  refuses  to  give  him  up 
to  the  Murdstones  who  come  to  "take  him 
back  unconditionally."  Two  scenes  from 
David  Copperfield.  For  three  boys  and 
three  girls.  Costume  illustrations.  Full 
directions.     Plays  thirty-two  minutes. 

A  version  only  slightly  different  is  given 
in  Scenes  from  Dickens  by  G.  Pertwee, 
under  the  title  of  "David  Copperlield  and 
His  Aunt." 

Bibi,  foundling.     A,  p.  27. 

Two  quarrelsome  little  Japanese  sisters 
discover  the  secret  of  happiness  in  their 
love  for  the  Baby  who  comes  to  them  like 
a  cherry-blossom  fallen  from  the  skies. 
Two  scenes  for  three  little  girls.  Illus- 
trated. Music  for  songs  and  a  dance. 
Directions. 

Billy  Bob-tail.     BRY,  p.  3. 

A  cat,  dog,  cow,  goat  and  pig  go  with 
Billy  Bob-tail  to  seek  their  fortune.  For 
six    little  children. 

Bird  with  the  broken  wing.  HOA, 
p.  26. 

Why  the  spruce,  pine,  juniper  and  all 
their  family  have  green  leaves  all  the  year 
through.      For    nine    little    children. 

Bird  with  the  broken  wing.  See  also 
Why  the  evergreen  trees  keep 
their  leaves. 

Bird's  nest.    SKB,  p.  93. 

Adapted  from  the  poem  by  Lydia  Maria 
Child  for  nine  little  children. 

Bird's  Christmas  Carol.    WIG. 

Mrs.  Wiggin's  dramatic  version  of  her 
own  story  of  Carol  Bird  and  the  "Ruggleses 
in  the  Rear"  includes  a  number  of  changes 
which  add  interest  and  create  new  situa- 
tions. Prologue  in  pantomime.  Three  acts. 
For  seven  boys  and  twelve  girls.  Full  di' 
rections.     Plays  a  full  evening. 

Birds  of  Killingworth.     G,  p.  26. 

How  the  men  of  the  town  of  Killing- 
worth  decided  to  kill  all  the  birds  because 
of  the  harm  done  to  their  crops,  and  how 
they   found  that  bugs  and   insects  destroy 


INDEX   TO    PLAYS 


21 


much  more  than  the  birds.  In  narrative 
and  dramatic  form.  Five  scenes  for  fifteen 
boys  and  seventeen  girls. 

Birds'  story  of  the  trees,  LUA,  p. 
201. 

A  very  short  exercise  for  Arbor  day 
which  calls  for  six  speakers. 

Bishop  Hatto.    G,  p.  78. 

How  Bishop  Hatto  was  punished  for  his 
cruelty  to  his  people  by  losing  his  life  to 
an  army  of  rats  who  followed  him  to  his 
tower  on  the  Rhine.  In  narrative  and 
dramatic  form.  Four  scenes  for  twelve  or 
more  boys. 

Black  pearl.    ST,  bk.  5,  p.  142. 

How  Cornelius  Pump,  learned  scientist  of 
Amsterdam,  turns  suspicion  of  theft  from 
Christina,  serving  maid,  by  proving  that  the 
lightning  has  opened  Balthazar  van  der 
Lys's  desk  and  disturbed  his  collection  of 
jewels.  Based  on  Victorien  Sardou's  story 
with  this  title.  One  act  for  eight  boys 
and  two  girls. 

Bleak  House.  See  Mr.  George's 
shooting  gallery;  Mr.  Guppy's 
proposal;  Mrs.  Snagsby's  guests. 

Blind  men  and  the  elephant.     SCB, 

p.  1. 

Each  of  six  blind  men  touch  only  a  part 
of  the  elephant  in  trying  to  find  out  what 
he  is  like,  and  each  insists  that  he  is  like 
something  very  different  from  what  the 
others  say.    Arranged  for  seven  boys. 

Blind  men  and  the  elephant.  ST, 
bk.  2,  p.  15. 

A  short  and  simple  arrangement  of  the 
same  story  for  seven  boys. 

Blue  bird.     MAM. 

A  fairy  play  in  six  acts  about  the  wood- 
cutter's children,  Tyltyl  and  Mytyl,  and 
their  long  quest  for  happiness,  which  they 
find  at  home  in  their  own  cottage  after 
seeking  in  the  Palace  of  Night,  and  many 
other  strange  places. 

The  Drama  League  List  of  plays  for  chil- 
dren suggests  that  "omitting  the  Palace  of 
Night,  the  Forest  and  the  Graveyard  scenes, 
this  play  may  be  adapted  for  children,  but 
the   scenic    demands   make    it    difficult    for 


amateurs."     For  seven  boys,  ten  gfirls  and 
extras. 

Blue  Prince.    RIL. 

Billy  and  Rose,  as  the  Blue  Prince  and 
the  Princess  Rose,  learn  to  feel  the  pinch 
of  old  Necessity,  a  witch.  A  fantasy  in 
a  prologue,  two  acts  and  an  epilogue.  For 
two  boys,  seven  girls  and  groups  of  fairies, 
gnomes,  etc.  Costumes  and  directions 
given. 

Bluebeard,    BE,  p.  335. 

The  scene  of  this  play  is  laid,  contrary  to 
the  usual  tradition,  in  the  fourteenth  cen- 
tury, in  Western  Europe,  where  a  counter- 
part of  the  Oriental  Bluebeard  is  believed 
(by  the  writer)  to  have  resided  in  feudal 
times. — [Prefatory  note.]  Two  acts  for 
seven  boys  and  two  girls.  Songs  with  music. 
Costumes  suggested.     Directions  given. 

Bluebeard.    NI,  p.  27. 

A  simple  dramatization  for  second  grade 
children.    For  three  boys  and  two  girls. 

Bluebeard.    RI,  p.  45. 

"This   key  alone  you  may  not  touch ; 
A  private  door  it  opes. 
A  room  where — a — I  keep — ahem  ! 
My  kites  and  skipping — ropes  !" 
The  verses  of  this  little  operetta  are  set 
to  familiar  tunes.     For  three  boys  and  two 
girls.    Short. 

Blunder.     WI,  p.  106. 

Blunder,  a  little  boy,  fails  to  find  the 
Wishing  gate  because  he  has  never  learned 
to  use  his  own  eyes.  Adapted  from  Louise 
Chollet,  and  given  in  narrative  form  for 
use  in  primary  grades. 

Boastful  bamboo  tree.    SKB,  p.  100. 

A  little  bamboo  that  lives  in  a  garden  is 
happier  than  a  big  tree  that  wished  to  see 
the  world.  A  Japanese  fable  in  two  short 
scenes  for  five  little  children. 

Bob    Cratchit's    Christmas    dinner. 
PER,  p.  207. 

"A  merry  Christmas  to  us  all,  my  dears 
.  .  .  God  bless  us  every  one !"  For  four 
boys  and  four  girls.     Two  costume  plates. 

Stage  directions. 

Given  also  as  one  scene  in  A  Christmas 
Carol  in  Comstock's  Dickens  dramatic 
reader. 


22 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Bob  Cratchit's  Christmas  dinner. 
See  also  Christmas  carol;  Cratch- 
it's Christmas  dinner;  Ebenezer 
Scrooge's  Christmas. 

Bob  Sawyer's  supper  party.     PER, 

p.  59. 

Mrs.  Raddle,  a  fierce  little  woman,  com- 
plains because  Bob  Sawyer  has  not  paid  his 
rent,  and  interrupts  Bob's  hilarious  party 
by  demanding  that  he  turn  the  wretches 
away.  One  scene  from  Pickwick  Papers, 
for  nine  boys  and  two  girls.  Three  cos- 
tume plates.     Stage  directions. 

Bobby  Shaftoe.    BUD,  p.  108. 

Bobby  Shaftoe  went  to  sea,  but  came 
back  in  time  to  claim  as  his  bride  pretty 
Betty  Lobsterpot,  a  fisher  lassie,  and  to  foil 
the  plans  of  the  Old  Earl  of  Mucklemuch- 
kin  who  wanted  her  himself.  Operetta  in 
three  acts.  For  nine  boys,  eight  girls  and 
other  fisher  boys  and  girls.  Music  by  Oscar 
Weil.    Full  directions. 

Bonds  of  Liberty.     TX. 

A  welcome  to  America's  son  who  comes 
victorious  back  from  the  fight  to  make  the 
world  free  and  who  bears  to  the  people  of 
the  land  a  message  from  our  men  that  all 
must  stand  together  to  win  the  freedom 
and  the  safety  of  the  world.  A  masque  for 
a  large  number  of  children. 

Boots  at  the  Holly-tree  inn.  See 
Holly-tree  inn. 

Boston  tea  party.    HX,  p.  61. 

Two  short  acts  showing  the  mass  meet- 
ing in  Old  South  Church  and  the  scene  in 
Boston  Harbor.  For  third  and  fourth  grade 
children.    For  seven  boys  and  many  extras. 

Boston  tea  party.    MAG,  p.  132. 

The  Younger  Sons  of  Freedom  meet  in 
the  tavern  known  as  the  Golden  Pheasant 
in  Boston  on  a  December  evening,  in  177;]. 
One  act.  For  nine  older  boys.  Includes 
a  fencing  bout.  Full  directions.  Plays 
thirty  or  forty  minutes. 

Boston  tea  party.    STA,  p.  145. 

The  descendants  of  the  Pilgrims  decide 
not  to  pay  the  unjust  tax  on  tea.  Four  acts. 
For  thirty-four  boys,  five  girls  and  extras, 
but  parts  may  be  doubled.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 


Boy  who  wondered.    LA,  p.  36. 

Two  older  brothers  fail  to  dig  a  well  in 
the  solid  rock  and  to  cut  down  the  oak 
tree  in  the  palace  yard,  but  little  Jack  suc- 
ceeds because  he  has  not  wondered  for 
nothing,  and  so  he  wins  the  princess  and 
half  the  kingdom.  In  narrative  form,  with 
helps  for  dramatization. 

Boy's  friendship.     LA,  p.  132. 

How  Phineas  Fletcher  and  John  Halifax 
become  friends.  From  Dinah  Mulock 
Craik's  John  Halifax,  gentleman.  Helps 
for  dramatization. 

Boy's  friendship.  See  also  John 
Halifax,  gentleman. 

Brahman,  the  tiger,  and  the  six 
judges.     LA,  p.  14. 

An  ungrateful  tiger  threatens  to  eat  the 
Brahman  who  has  released  him  from  his 
cage.  They  submit  their  quarrel  to  several 
judges,  the  last  of  whom,  a  jackal,  cleverly 
entices  the  tiger  into  his  cage  again,  and 
matters  remain  just  as  they  were.  In  nar- 
rative form,  with  help  for  dramatization. 

Brahman,    the    tiger,  and    the    six 

judges.     LAN,  p.  101. 

A  simple  arrangement  of  the  Hindu  story 
for  eight  children. 

Brahmin,  the  tiger,  and  the  jackal. 
DO,  p.  96. 

The  same  story  arranged  for  seven  parts. 

Brahmin,    the    tiger,    and    the    six 

judges.    SCB,  p.  143. 

The  same  story  adapted  from  Mary 
Frere's  Old   Deccan  Days  for  eight  parts. 

Brahmin,  the  tiger,  and  the  six 
judges.  See  also  Tiger  and  the 
Brahman. 

Brave  deeds  by  brave  men.    STA,  p. 

217. 

Paul  Revere  watches  the  belfry  signal 
and  rides  to  Lexington  to  warn  the  patriots ; 
and  the  members  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress in  session  in  the  State  House  in  Phila- 
delphia vote  for  Independence.  Three  acts. 
For  forty-three  boys,  twelve  girls  and 
extras,  but  parts  may  be  doubled.  Simple 
directions. 


INDEX  TO    PLA\S 


Brewing  of  brains.    MAI,  p.  173. 

An  honest-faced  Lincolnshire  lad  learns 
that  the  only  "receipt  for  brains,  is  made  of 
equal  parts  of  humbleness  and  seeking." 
Adapted  from  the  folk  tale,  A  Pottle  o' 
Brains.  One  act.  For  one  boy  and  two 
girls.  Costumes  suggested.  Directions 
giVen.     Plays  about  fifteen  minutes. 

Briar  Rosebud.    DO,  p.  117. 

"Briar    Rosebud    sleeps    a    hundred    years, 

hundred  years,  like  dead,  my  dears, 
Briar  Rosebud  sleeps  a  hundred  years,  like 
dead,  my  dears." 

Song  and  dance  for  three  principal  char- 
acters and  the  whole  class.  From  Swedish 
Song  Games  by  Kastman  and  Kohler. 

Briar  Rosebud.     See  also   Princess 
Moss-Rose ;  Sleeping  beauty. 

Brotherhood.    FR. 

" 'Tis  justice  we  want,  not  plunder.  An 
we  stand,  every  man,  by  the  fellowship, 
we  shall  be  free  men." 

Two  scenes  of  England  during  the  Wat 
Tyler  rebellion,  1381.  For  eleven  boys,  four 
girls,  and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

Brown  dwarf  of  Riigen.     G,  p.  109. 

Little  Lizbeth,  the  miller's  daughter,  is 
carried  away  by  the  brown  dwarfs  and  lives 
with  them  underground  for  five  years  when 
she  is  rescued  by  John,  her  old  playmate. 
In  narrative  and  dramatic  form.  Four 
scenes  for  nine  boys,  one  girl,  and  towns- 
people. 

Brownies.    DUN,  p.  93. 

"Twist  me,  and  turn  me,  and  show  me  the 

elf; 
I  looked  in  the  water  and  saw — " 

Tommie's  search  for  a  Brownie  to  "do 
all  the  work"  leads  him  to  the  Old  Owl 
who  tells  him  to  find  the  right  word  to  fill 
up  the  verse.  Dramatized  in  three  scenes 
from  The  Brownies  by  Mrs.  Ewing.  For 
three  boys  and  two  girls.    Simple  directions. 

Brownies.     SK,  p.  175. 
Narrative  from  Mrs.  Ewing. 

Brownies.    WI,  p.  113. 

Arranged  for  six  children  in  primary 
grades  from  Mrs.  Ewing's  story. 


Brownikins.    A. 

Three  litle  Brownies  help  a  poor  old 
woman  and  her  small  grandson  and  prove 
"How  happiness  grows  great  with  deeds  of 

love — 
Small  deeds  done  every  day." 

Three  scenes.  For  four  boys  and  one 
girl.  Illustrated.  Music  for  songs.  Direc- 
tions. 

Bunny  rabbit  and  the  lion.     SKB, 

p.  7. 

The  forest  animals  are  afraid  to  help 
Mother  Deer  get  back  her  little  one  from 
the  lion,  but  little  Bunny  rabbit  finds  a  way. 
Five  scenes  for  six  or  more  little  children. 

Burghers  of  Calais.     MAB,  second 
series. 

Queen  Philippa  begs  pity  and  pardon 
for  the  six  burghers  who  have  offered 
themselves  to  King  Edward  the  Third  in 
order  to  save  the  town  of  Calais.  A  one 
act  play  for  fourteen  boys  and  five  girls. 
Costume  illustrations  from  old  paintings. 
Full  directions. 

Burghers  of  Calais.     See  also  Keys 
of  Calais;  Siege  of  Calais. 

Cadmus.     COA,  p.  90. 

How  Cadmus  sowed  the  dragon's  teeth 
which  grew  into  armed  men.  Four  scenes 
for  four  boys  and  five  girls. 

Caedmon.     MAB,  second  series. 

To  Caedmon,  the  cowherd,  in  his  little 
home  of  wattles,  comes  a  shining  angel 
who  teaches  him  and  bids  him  henceforth 
sing  in  deathless  music.  A  one-act  play 
for  eight  boys,  six  girls  and  extras.  Illus- 
trations from  Anglo-Saxon  ms.  in  addition 
to  directions  for  costumes.  Music  sug- 
gested.   Full  directions. 

Call  to  the  Youth  of  America.    TY, 

p.  65. 

America  gives  her  torch  of  Freedom  and 
Love  to  all  mankind  into  the  keeping  of 
the  children  of  Freedom.  A  patriotic  ex- 
ercise for  boys  and  girls.  For  twenty-three 
or  more  characters.     Simple  directions. 

Canterbury  tales.     SI,  fourth  year, 

p.  16. 

The  Prologue  arranged  from  Chaucer's 
text  in  two  scenes  for  High  School  use. 


24 


PLAYS    FOR   CHILDREN 


The  first  is  a  series  of  tableaux  with  de- 
scriptions from  the  poem  given  by  a 
Reader.  In  the  second  the  Pilgrims  sup 
at  the  Tabard  and  agree  to  begin  their 
story-telling  on  the  morrow.  For  twenty- 
one  boys,  two  girls,  and  extras. 

Canvas  Christmas.     C,  p.  235. 

Two  little  farm  boys  who  have  never  seen 
either  a  circus  or  a  Christmas  tree,  creep 
into  the  tent  just  as  the  discontented  men 
are  planning  rebellion  against  their  leader. 
The  Christmas  spirit  of  friendliness  softens 
not  only  the  men,  but  the  surly  ringmaster, 
and  the  strict  and  severe  father  of  the  boys. 
— Contents.  Written  for  a  boys'  club.  Two 
acts.  For  fourteen  boys.  Notes  on  cos- 
tume, setting  and  presentation.  Plays  forty 
minutes. 

Captured  year.    WIC,  p.  1. 

The  children  try  to  keep  the  Old  Year 
with  its  skating  and  coasting  and  sleighing 
rather  than  have  the  New  Year  bring  school 
days  again.  But  Santa  Claus  says  that  this 
means  no  more  Christmas,  so  the  tired  Old 
Year  comes  homes  to  Father  Time,  and  the 
Happy  New  Year  rushes  off  in  great  glee. 
For  eleven  boys,  eighteen  girls  and  extras. 
Suggestions   for  costumes  and   staging. 

Case  of  Sophronia.    COE. 

A  story  of  an  "ugly  duckling"  as  seen  in 
college  life.  A  play  in  two  scenes  for  six 
girls.     Simple  directions. 

Cat  and  the  mouse.    ST,  bk.  3,  p.  29. 

How  the  cat  eats  the  fat  from  Miss 
Mouse's  greasepot  and  finally  Miss  Mouse 
herself.    For  three  parts. 

Cat  that  waited.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  34. 

While  a  cat  waits  for  little  birds  in  the 
nest  to  grow  larger,  they  fly  away.  Four 
very  short  scenes  for  three  little  children. 

Cathleen  Ni  Hoolihan.    Y,  p.  47. 

At  the  call  of  "the  strange  woman  that 
goes  through  the  country  the  time  there's 
war  or  trouble  coming,"  Michael  Gillane 
leaves  his  bride  and  hurries  down  the  hill- 
side to  meet  the  French  soldiers  who  are 
landing  at  Killala.  Time:  1798.  One  act. 
For  three  older  boys,  three  older  girls,  and 
extras.     Directions  given. 

Cave  of  the  fates.    OL,  p.  1. 

On  New  Year's  Eve  Maid  Margaret  jour- 
neys to  the  cave  of  the  Fates  and  begs  the 


gift  of  life  for  her  brother  because  Dame 
Anna,  her  old  and  feeble  Grandmother,  is 
grieving  for  his  loss,  and  the  story  tells 
how,  touched  by  her  loving  faithful  heart 
the  three  Fates  grant  her  prayer  and  with 
the  little  New  Year  Maid  Margaret  returns 
to  her  cottage  home. — Program.  A  "play 
of  mystery"  in  two  acts  for  one  boy  and 
five  girls.  Costume  designs  and  simple  di- 
rections. 

Ceyx  and  Halcyone.    COA,  p.  70. 

How  Ceyx,  king  of  Thessaly,  and  his 
wife  Halcyone  perished  in  the  waves,  and 
how  the  pitying  gods  changed  them  both 
into  birds.  Four  scenes  for  three  boys  and 
four  girls. 

Changeling. 

For  note  see  Fairy  changeling. 

Changing  of  the  keys.     FO,  p.  1. 

Roland  Graeme,  a  page,  and  Lady 
Catherine  Seyton  plan  to  help  Mary,  Queen 
of  Scots  to  escape  from  her  captivity  in  the 
Castle  of  the  Douglas.  Arranged  in  two 
scenes  from  The  Abbot  by  Sir  Walter 
Scott.  For  three  boys  and  four  girls.  Two 
costume  plates.    Directions. 

Charles  I.    GOA,  bk.  4,  p.  25. 

The  king  who  believed  that  "the  king  can 
do  no  wrong"  is  defeated  by  Cromwell  and 
his  Ironsides  and  is  tried  before  the  High 
Court  of  justice.  Five  scenes  for  fifteen 
boys  and  extras.    For  class-room  use. 

Cherry-blossom  princess.     BUB,  p. 

174. 

The  "fairy  dew  of  Love"  enables  the 
Princess  to  free  Prince  Kenneth  and  her- 
self from  the  punishment  brought  about 
by  her  proud  spirit.  One  act.  For  one 
boy,  three  girls  and  extras.  One  song.  Di- 
rections for  costumes  and  setting. 

Cherry  pie.    TU,  p.  10. 

A  story  of  Maryland  in  the  raiding  time 
— Contents.  For  four  boys  and  three  girls 
Short. 

Chevalier  Jessamine  and  the  Prin- 
cess Eglantine.    MU,  p.  83. 

The  romantic  story  of  the  Princess  Eg- 
lantine and  her  suitors,  the  Prince  of  Den- 
mark and  the  Chevalier  Jessamine.  "A 
play  in  three  acts  for  the  puppet  show  by 


INDEX   TO    PLAYS 


25 


Madam  Rain."     For  four  boys,  two  girls, 
and  extras.     Costume  illustrations. 
See  also  Mr.  Wind  and  Madam  Rain. 

Child  and  the  sparrow.    SKB,  p.  143. 

Poem  by  Thomas  Westwood  arranged 
for  two  parts. 

Children  and  the  evangelists.     DR, 

Nov.,  1920,  p.  58. 

A  nativity  play  written  by  Margaret  Oley 
Tomes  for  a  Christmas  eve  festival.  The 
four  evangelists,  aided  by  Tradition,  tell 
the  old  yet  ever-new  story  to  two  little 
children.  For  twenty-two  characters  and 
extras  as  choir  of  angels.  Suitable  for 
church  production.     Directions. 

Children   in  the   Great  War.      RX, 

no.  6. 

Some  Illinois  boys  and  girls  of  today 
find  a  cave  in  which  enemies  of  the  United 
States  have  concealed  boxes  of  dynamite. 
One  of  the  Illinois  Centennial  plays.  For 
four  boys  and  four  girls.  Suggestions 
given. 

Children  of  France.    RX,  no.  2. 

A  little  group  of  French  children  who 
lived  in  Illinois  about  the  year  1778,  talk 
about  the  British  and  Americans  and  listen 
to  the  sad  story  of  Major  Pierre  d'Ar- 
taguette.  One  of  the  Illinois  Centennial 
plays.  For  four  boys  and  four  girls.  Sug- 
gestions given. 

Children  of  the  Civil  War.  RX,  no.  5. 

In  February,  1862,  the  news  of  the  cap- 
ture of  Fort  Donelson  comes  to  a  group  of 
Illinois  children,  all  but  one  of  whom  are 
loyal  to  the  Union.  One  of  the  Illinois 
Centennial  plays.  For  four  boys  and  four 
girls.      Suggestions    given. 

Children  of  the  Illini.    RX,  no.  1. 

How  some  Indian  boys  and  girls  played 
together  in  Illinois  away  back  about  1673 
before  the  white  man  came.  One  of  the 
Illinois  Centennial  plays.  For  four  boys 
and  four  girls.  Indian  songs.  Sugges- 
tions given. 

Chimaera.    MA,  p.  26. 

How  the  three-headed  monster  is  killed 
by  Bellerophon  mounted  on  Pegasus, 
winged  horse.  Arranged  in  four  acts  from 
Hawthorne's  story  for  six  boys  and  one 
girl. 


Christ-candle.    C,  p.  1. 

This  play  makes  use  of  the  old  German 
belief  that  the  Christ-child  returns  to  earth 
each  Christmas  Eve  to  seek  shelter  among 
men.  A  little  waif,  lost  in  the  snow,  is  re- 
fused help  by  the  selfishness  of  happiness, 
of  ill-temper,  of  poverty,  of  riches,  and  is 
at  last  received  by  two  little  children  who 
take  him  for  the  Holy  Child  indeed. — 
Contents.  Two  scenes.  For  eleven  boys, 
four  girls,  one  man,  one  woman.  Notes  on 
costume  and  setting.     Plays  forty  minutes. 

Christmas  babes  in  the  woods.    SA, 
p.  10. 

Dick  and  Betty  lose  their  way  and  fall 
asleep  in  the  woods,  are  awakened  by  the 
fairies  and  taken  home  by  Santa  Claus  in 
his  sleigh.  For  three  boys,  four  girls,  and 
extras.  Includes  songs  and  dances.  Cos- 
tumes described.     Directions  given. 

Christmas  Brownie.    C.  p.  95. 

Santa  Claus'  Brownie  allows  Ted  to  help 
fill  the  stockings,  with  a  result  that  per- 
plexes and  disturbs  their  owners,  and 
teaches  Ted  that  it  takes  thoughtfulness 
as  well  as  good  will  to  make  people  happy. 
The  Brownie's  especial  gift  to  Ted  is  a 
Christmas  dream. — Contents.  One  act.  For 
eight  boys,  seven  girls,  Santa  Claus,  and 
eight  children  who  can  sing.  Notes  on  cos- 
tume and  setting.     Plays  forty  minutes. 

Christmas  carol.    COD,  p.  267. 

I  have  always  thought  of  Christmas  time 
...  as  a  good  time;  a  kind,  forgiving, 
charitable,  pleasant  time ;  the  only  time  .  .  . 
when  men  and  women  seem  by  one  consent 
to  open  their  shut-up  hearts  freely  .  .  . ; 
and  I  say,  God  bless  it ! — Charles  Dickens. 

The  story 'of  the  spirit  of  Christmas,  ar- 
ranged in  five  acts  for  six  boys,  nine  girls 
and  many  extras.     Directions  given. 

Christmas  carol.    H,  p.  165. 

An  arrangement  from  Dickens's  story  in 
three  staves  for  twelve  boys,  eleven  girls 
and  extras.  Costume  illustrations.  Music 
for  carol.     Directions  given. 

Christmas  carol.    LAS,  p.  41. 

Another  version  in  four  scenes  for  nine 
boys,  two  girls,  and  extras.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Christmas  carol.    ST,  bk.  5,  p.  73. 

Arranged  in  five  acts  for  many  char- 
acters. 


26 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


Christmas  carol.  See  also  Bob 
Cratchit's  Christmas  dinner ; 
Cratchit's  Christmas  dinner;  Ebe- 
nezer  Scrooge's  Christmas. 

Christmas  conspiracy.    SA,  p.  44. 

Santa  Claus  finds  gifts  in  his  pack  for 
some  Mother  Goose  children  as  well  as  for 
real  boys  and  girls.  Two  acts.  For  seven 
boys  and  seven  girls.  Includes  songs  and 
dances.  Costumes  described.  Directions 
given. 

Christmas  Eve.    NO,  p.  113. 

Some  little  children  make  ready  for  Santa 
Claus's  visit.  Two  short  scenes  for  three 
boys  and  five  girls.     One  song. 

Christmas  eve  at  Mother  Hubbard's. 
S,  p.  153. 

A  little  play  in  one  act  for  five  boys  and 
five  girls  who  take  the  part  of  nursery 
rhyme  characters. 

Christmas  eve  in  an  attic.    SKB,  p. 
65. 

How  Mrs.  Santa  Claus  changes  old  toys 
into  new  ones  for  children  who  have  no 
others.     For  ten  little  children. 

Christmas  eve  with  Charles  Dickens. 
FRN,  p.  97. 

The  good  news  of  a  legacy  which  will 
save  his  father  from  a  debtor's  prison, 
comes  to  eleven-year-old  Charles  as  he  sits 
in  his  lodgings  on  Christmas  Eve,  and 
dreams  of  revels  in  the  "Merry  England" 
of  long  ago.  Includes  a  Christmas  pageant 
and  songs.  One  act.  For  three  boys  and 
two  girls,  and  twenty-two  boys  and  six 
girls  for  the  pageant.     Simple  directions. 

Christmas  garland.     SMI,  p.  241. 

A  series  of  ten  "tableaux  representing 
traditional  figures  of  Christmas." 

Christmas  guest.     MAE,  p.  205. 

In  the  guise  of  a  wandering  beggar,  the 
Christmas  Angel  is  welcomed  as  a  guest  in 
a  sixteenth  century  home.  One  act.  For 
three  boys  and  five  girls.  Full  directions. 
Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Christmas  in  Leipsic.     CH,  p.   139. 

A  Qiristmas  tree,  a  little  child,  and  the 
unexpected  arrival  of  son  Hans  and  his 
family  transform  the  lonely  holiday  of  an 


elderly  professor  and  his  wife  into  a  joy- 
ous festival.  In  verse.  One  scene.  For 
two  older  boys,  three  girls  and  several 
other  children.     Directions  given. 

Christmas  in  many  lands.     SKA,  p. 
108. 

The  children  of  different  nations  are 
brought  by  the  Christmas  fairy  to  the  home 
of  Gretchen  and  Hans  to  tell  how  they 
celebrate  Christmas  in  their  own  homes. 
Songs  for  every  nation,  though  no  music  is 
given.  One  act.  For  ten  girls  and  one 
boy.  Costumes  suggested.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Christmas  in  Old  England.    SMI,  p. 

209. 

"Without  the  door  let  sorrow  lie; 
And  if  for  cold  it  hap  to  die, 
We'll  bury  it  in  a  Christmas  pie, 
And  evermore  be  merry." 

A  series  of  nine  Christmas  tableaux  with 
Father  Christmas  on  his  throne. 

Christmas    in    olden    times    and    in 
many  lands.    WAD. 

A  Christmas  masque  in  two  acts  by  E.  H. 
Walker  presenting  "the  historical  develop- 
ment of  the  mid-winter  festival."  For 
twenty-eight  boys  and  twenty-one  girls. 
Many  songs  and  dances  with  music  are  in- 
troduced. Costumes  illustrated.  Direc- 
tions given. 

Christmas  in  rhyme-land.     PEM,  p. 

55. 

Some  of  the  good  old  nursery  rhymes 
come  out  of  their  picture  books  to  have 
tea  with  the  Old  Woman  at  the  house 
within  the  Shoe.  Father  Christmas  pays 
them  a  visit,  bringing  gifts  for  every  one. 
For  four  boys  and  five  girls.  Carols,  songs, 
and  a  dance.  Costumes  described.  Simple 
directions.     A  jolly  little  play. 

Christmas  jest.     WIC,  p.  189. 

A  weary  King  and  his  happy  Fool 
change  places  on  Christmas  eve,  as  a  jest. 
The  Fool  reigns  as  Christmas  king,  while 
the  King  visits  the  poor  of  his  kingdom 
and  learns  that  the  most  precious  gift  is 
the  love  of  his  people.  Three  scenes.  For 
six  boys,  two  girls,  and  many  extras  as  beg- 
gars and  lords  and  ladies  of  the  court.  Sug- 
gestions for  costumes  and  staging. 


INDEX   TO    PLAYS 


27 


Christmas  monks.    C,  p.  149. 

It  is  unknown  to  many  people  that  the 
Christmas  toys  grow  from  seed  in  the  gar- 
den of  the  Christmas  monks.  The  play 
relates  the  adventures  of  the  Prince,  Peter, 
and  Peter's  little  sister,  in  this  wonderful 
place. — Contents.  From  a  story  by  Mary 
E.  Wilkins  Freeman.  Three  acts.  For 
fifteen  boys,  nine  girls,  and  one  man  as 
Abbot.  Notes  on  costume  and  presenta- 
tion.    Plays  fifty  minutes. 

Christmas  mystery.  DR,  Nov.,  1920, 

p.  60. 

The  story  of  the  nativity  arranged  as  a 
pantomime  by  Jane  Judge  and  Linwood 
Taft.  To  be  used  as  a  part  of  a  community 
Christmas  festival.  Words  of  hymns  and 
carols  and  references  to  music  included. 
Costumes  suggested  and  directions  fully 
given. 

Christmas  once  more.    CHA,  p.  163. 

Father  Antonius  and  Fulvia,  his  ward, 
seek  to  make  Christmas  of  little  pagan  Elsa 
and  her  father,  Sigurd.  The  Christmas 
service  which  they  attend  represents  The 
Vision  of  Mary,  a  Morality  play  as  given  in 
Cologne  about  400  A.  D.  before  an  assem- 
bly of  early  Christians.  Part  1,  Prelude; 
Part  2,  Cantata ;  all  in  verse.  Songs  with- 
out music.     For  older  children. 

Christmas  party.    MEB,  p.  263. 

A  nursery  scene  with  three  little  children 
tucked  in  bed,  and  asleep  on  the  hearth  rug 
three  Good  little  People  "called  Lob  for 
short."  Some  children  of  history  and  fable 
arrive  followed  by  Santa  Claus.  Last  of  all 
come  Father  and  Mother  to  fill  the  stock- 
ings. One  act.  For  twelve  boys,  six  girls, 
and  extras.  Directions.  Plays  about  one 
hour. 

Christmas  pitcher.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  101. 

Santa's  gift  of  a  common  white  pitcher 
works  magic,  and  the  kind  heart  of  a  little 
princess  helps  her  to  find  fairy  land.  Sug- 
gested by  Hawthorne's  Miraculous  Pitcher. 
For  fourteen  little  boys,  three  little  girls, 
and  extras. 

Christmas  spirit.     DE. 

The  daughter  of  Santa  Claus  comes  to 
the  Forest  of  Nowadays,  with  pail  and  bag, 
seeking  to  fill  them  with  Christmas  thoughts 
and  Christmas  spirit  for  hei  father.  A 
playlet  in  one  act  for  two  boys  and  two 
girls.    Full  directions. 


Christmas    tree    in    New    England. 

TU,  p.  115. 

A  story  of  how  the  Puritans  kept  Christ- 
mas.— Contents.  For  three  boys  and  two 
girls.    Short. 

Christmas  tree  joke.     BW,  p.   105. 

Christmas  Day  is  entertaining  the  other 
holidays  at  a  Yule-time  party.  He  leaves 
his  sister,  Christmas  Eve,  to  put  the  last 
touches  to  the  tree  on  which  there  is  a  re- 
membrance for  each  guest,  and  during  his 
absence,  April  Fool  persuades  her  to  change 
the  cards  on  the  gifts.  Much  consternation 
and  entanglement  follow,  all  of  which  is 
finally  righted  by  the  host. — Story  of  the 
Play.  For  seven  boys  and  five  girls.  Char- 
acters and  costumes  described  and  simple 
directions  given.  Plays  about  thirty  min- 
utes. 

Christmas  with  the  children.     SMI, 
p.  227. 

It  is  good  to  be  Children  Sometimes ; 
and  Never  Better  Than  at  Christmas,  When 
its  Mighty  Founder  was  a  Child  Himself. — 
Chas.  Dickens. 

A  series  of  eight  tableaux  arranged  for  a 
Christmas  entertainment,  "for  the  use  of 
little  people  everywhere." 

Christmas  with  the  Mulligans.     H, 
p.  91. 

Sure,  there  isn't  much  argument  at  all, 
at  all.  It's  all  happiness  and  merriment  and 
love,  and  where  there  is  happiness  and 
merriment  and  love  there  isn't  any  time 
for  argument.  The  Widow  Mulligan  is  a 
cheerful  washerwoman  who  lives  in  Mulli- 
gan Alley  in  Shantytown,  surrounded  by 
her  ten  little  Mulligans,  to  say  nothing  of 
the  goat,  Shamus  O'Brien.  A  good-hearted 
neighbor,  Mrs.  O'Toole,  has  a  lively  time 
with  the  goat,  but  she  forgives  all  his  mis- 
deeds as  it  is  Christmas  Eve  and  the  little 
Mulligans  are  starting  out  for  a  grand 
Christmas  entertainment.  When  they  re- 
turn they  entertain  their  mother  and  Mrs. 
O'Toole,  and  incidently,  the  audience. — Ar- 
gument. 

Three  acts.  For  five  boys  and  seven 
girls.  Songs  with  music.  Costume  illus- 
trations. Directions  given.  Plays  about 
one  hour. 

Christopher  Columbus.    BI,  p.  1. 

The  prior  of  the  convent  of  La  Rabida 
helps  to  interest  Queen  Isabella  in  the  ex- 


3S 


PLAYS      FOR    CFIILDREN 


pedition  of  Columbus.  After  the  long  voy- 
age the  explorer  and  his  sailors  land  on 
San  Salvador.  Four  scenes  for  thirteen 
boys,  two  girls,  and  extras. 

Christopher  Columbus.     BX. 

F"our  episodes,  each  in  several  short 
scenes,  depicting  Columbus  as  a  youth  in 
Genoa,  Columbus  before  Ferdinand  and 
Isabella,  a  scene  on  the  deck  of  the  ship 
Saint  Mary,  and  a  picture  of  the  Indians 
on  San  Salvador  and  the  arrival  of  the  dis- 
coverer. Written  originally  for  the  Com- 
mittee on  Civic  Education  of  the  Woman's 
Education  Association.  Text  in  English 
and  Italian.  For  a  large  number  of  char- 
acters.    Directions. 

Christopher  Columbus.     ST,  bk.  3, 

p.  163. 

Columbus  loses  his  maps  at  the  court  of 
King  John  of  Portugal,  but  wins  the  favor 
of  the  king  and  queen  of  Spain.  At  the  end 
of  his  long  voyage  he  quells  mutiny  on 
board  ship  and  sights  land  at  last.  Three 
scenes  for  twenty-three  boys,  one  girl,  and 
extras. 

Christopher  Columbus.    WY,  p.  71. 

Supported  in  his  great  enterprise  by  the 
wisdom  and  resources  of  Queen  Isabella, 
Columbus  sails  across  the  unknown  seas, 
and  to  Castile  and  Leon  gives  a  New 
World. 

"Winsor's,  Irving's,  and  Adam's  works 
on  Columbus  have  been  among  the  his- 
torical sources  consulted.  For  the  purpose 
of  dramatization  events  that  were  some 
years  apart  have  been  placed  nearer  to- 
gether, but  in  essentials  the  play  is  his- 
torically true  and  nearly  all  the  characters 
are  historical  personages." — Preface. 

A  play  in  four  acts  for  a  cast  of  about 
twenty-six  or  more.     Stage  suggestions. 

Cicely  and  the  bears.    SX,  p.  17. 

Sir  Nicholas  Hildebrand,  a  knight,  offers 
his  hand  in  marriage  to  the  fairest  maiden 
in  the  land.  The  rich  dames  of  the  village 
take  their  daughters  to  a  ball  given  by  a 
knight  in  the  castle.  Cicely,  a  beggar  girl, 
creeps  in  unnoticed.  During  the  feast  two 
bears  walk  upright  into  the  hall  and  cause 
fear  and  confusion  among  the  guests,  who 
run  and  hide.  Cicely  steps  bravely  forth 
and  serves  the  shaggy  strangers.  Sir  Hilde- 
brand chooses  the  beggar  maiden  for  his 
bride. — Plot  of  the  play. 

Retold  from  a  poem  by  William  Brighty 


Rands.  For  seven  boys  and  five  girls,  and 
dames,  maidens,  pages  and  attendants.  Sim- 
ple suggestions. 

Cinderella.    BE,  p.  169. 

The  Princess  of  the  Silver  Mountain 
who  disappears  from  the  ball  is  found  again 
by  Prince  Charming  by  means  of  a  silver 
slipper.  Four  scenes  for  two  boys,  five 
girls,  and  extras  as  lords  and  ladies  at  the 
ball.  Songs  with  music.  Costumes  sug- 
gested.    Full  directions. 

Cinderella.    DU,  p.  43. 

"While  my  haughty  sisters 
Dance  at  feast  and  ball, 
I  sit  in  the  ashes 
Longing  for  it  all." 

The  well-known  story  of  the  magic  slip- 
per as  a  three-act  play  in  rhyme,  with  Cin- 
derella, her  two  sisters,  the  Fairy  God- 
mother, the  Prince,  and  a  Herald  as  char- 
acters. Costumes  suggested.  Stage  direc- 
tions. 

Cinderella.    DUN,  p.  37. 

In  four  scenes  for  two  boys,  five  girls, 
and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

Cinderella.     HOA,  p.  39. 

The  touch  of  a  fairy  godmother's  wand 
changes  a  little  girl  into  a  Lady  from  Far 
Away.  Six  short  scenes  for  three  little 
boys  and  five  little  girls. 

Cinderella.    NO,  p.  36. 

Arranged  in  five  short  acts  for  three  little 
boys  and  six  little  girls.    Two  songs. 

Cinderella.    RI,  p.  1. 

A  little  operetta  in  four  scenes  giving  the 
old  story  in  rhyme  to  be  sung  to  familiar 
tunes.  For  one  boy,  four  girls,  and  ex- 
tras as  dancers  at  the  ball.  Illustrations 
suggest   costumes. 

Cinderella.    SCB,  p.  103. 

Arranged  in  four  simple  scenes  for 
twelve  boys,  seven  girls  and  extras. 

Cinderella.    U,  p.  30. 

A  simple  version  in  three  short  scenes 
for  school  use.  Two  songs.  For  two  boys, 
four  girls  and  a  few  fairies.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

City  child.    WI,  p.  105. 

Poem  by  Tennyson.    For  primary  grades. 


INDEX   TO    PLAYS 


29 


City  mouse  and  the  country  mouse. 

PR,  p.  64. 

Country  cousin  decides  that  the  poor  old 
barn  is  much  safer  than  the  grand  city 
house  where  the  mice  are  chased  so  often. 
Three  short  acts  for  six  little  children. 

City  mouse  and  the  country  mouse. 
See  also  Country  mouse  and  the 
city  mouse. 

Clever  cock.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  55. 

How  cock  and  dog  get  the  better  of  gray 
fox  and  red  fox.  Two  short  scenes  for 
four  little  children. 

Clever  kid.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  1. 

Gray  Wolf  and  White  Wolf  cannot  get 
Little  Kid  to  come  down  the  hill  to  them. 
For  three  little  children. 

Clucking  hen.    WI,  p.  14. 

Poem  arranged  for  two  parts.  For  pri- 
mary grades. 

Cock-Alu  and  Hen-Alie.     SX,  p.  75. 

While  eating  her  breakfast  Hen-Alie 
chokes  on  a  bean  which  sticks  in  her  throat. 
Shabby-Hen,  a  neighbor,  runs  to  her  as- 
sistance and  tells  Cock-AIu  nothing  will 
help  but  a  drop  of  water  from  the  silver 
spring.  The  water  mtlfet  be  fetched  while 
the  dew  is  falling.  Cock-Alu  starts  to  the 
silver  spring.  He  meets  various  friends 
on  the  way  and  stops  to  talk  to  them. 
When  he  reaches  the  silver  spring  he  finds 
a  dry  channel.  In  the  meantime,  Shabby- 
Hen  tries  to  comfort  Hen-Alie.  At  eve- 
ning she  offers  to  run  to  meet  Cock-Alu 
and  help  him  home  with  the  drop  of  water. 
She  meets  him,  hears  him  call  out  he  has 
not  found  the  spring,  runs  out  through 
the  darkness,  finds  the  spring,  and  saves 
Hen-Alie. — Plot  of  the  play. 

Adapted  from  a  story  by  Mary  Howitt. 
For  four  boys  and  five  girls.  Simple  sug- 
gestions. 

Cock  and  the  fox.    LAN,  p.  32. 

The  old  fox  fails  to  deceive  the  cock 
with  his  tale  of  a  proclamation  of  uni- 
versal peace  and  harmony.  Arranged  for 
two  parts   from  Aesop. 

Cock  and  the  fox.    WI,  p.  120. 

Chanticleer  learns  not  to  shut  his  eyes 
when  he  sught  to  keep  them  open,  and  a 
sly  old  fox  learns  not  to  open  his  mouth 


when  he  ought  to  keep  it  shut.  Arranged 
from  Chaucer  in  narrative  form  for  pri- 
mary grades. 

Cold  country.    SK,  p.  85. 

Some  of  the  animals  pay  a  visit  to  the 
Weather  spirit  to  buy  a  bag  of  cold. 
Adapted  from  S.  Weir  Mitchell,  and  given 
in  narrative  form. 

Columbus  helps  Anychild.    PAC,  p. 

103. 

The  Wishing  Witch  permits  Anychild  to 
visit  Long  Ago,  where  she  becomes  a  lad 
working  on  the  ship  of  Columbus.  She 
becomes  acquainted  with  his  attendants 
Patience  and  Perseverance,  and  asks  them 
to  become  her  helpers.  For  five  boys  and 
five  girls.     Simple   directions. 

Commonwealth.     GOA,  bk.  4,  p.  41. 

Prince  Charles  escapes  after  the  battle 
of  Worcester,  the  generals  rejoice  over  the 
defeat  of  the  Dutch,  the  Long  Parliament 
is  dissolved  by  Cromwell,  and  the  people 
welcome  Charles  II  as.  their  king.  Four 
scenes.  For  eighteen  boys  and  many 
extras.     For  class-room  use. 

Complainers.    PR,  p.  HI. 

The  donkey  bemoans  the  fact  that  he 
has  no  horns,  and  the  ape  wants  a  fine 
bushy  tail ;  but  the  little  blind  mole  says 
that  they  have  all  they  need,  for  they  can 
see.  A  tiny  dialogue  for  three  little  chil- 
dren. 

Comus.    SI,  fourth  year,  p.  75. 

"Sabrina   fair. 

Listen  where  thou  art  sitting 
Under    the    glassy,    cool,    translucent 
wave, 

In  twisted  braids  of  lilies  knitting 
The  loose  train  of  thy  amber-dropping 
hair: 

Listen  for  dear  honor's  sake, 
Goddess  of  the  silver  lake, 

Listen  and  save !" 

Abridged  from  Milton  in  Prologue,  five 
scenes  and  Epilogue  arranged  for  four 
boys,  two  girls,  and  extras.  For  High 
School  use. 

Comus.     See  also  Good  fairy. 

Conqueror.     GOA,  bk.  2,  p.  7. 

William  of  Normandy  defeats  King 
Harold  and  becomes  the  Conqueror  of  Eng- 


30 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


land.     Three  scenes.     For  fifteen  boys  and 
one  girl.     For  class-room  use. 

Continental  Congress.    M,  p.  13. 

Extracts  from  famous  speeches  and 
dialogues  adapted  and  arranged  in  four 
acts.  Tableaux :  The  Spirit  of  Seventy- 
six.  For  thirty-one  boys  and  extras.  Il- 
lustrations from  famous  pictures.  Simple 
directions. 

Conversion  of  Mrs.  Slacker.     PAB, 

p.  103. 

How  Mrs.  Slacker  discovers  that  she  has 
been  disloyal  and  how  she  decides  to  give 
her  son,  Alphonso,  to  Columbia  for  ser- 
vice in  the  Great  War.  A  patriotic  play 
for  two  boys  and  seven  girls.  Simple  di- 
rections. 

Corn  silk.    TUR. 

An  ancient  Mandan  legend  of  a  maiden 
who  marries  a  magician.  Includes  songs 
and  a  representation  of  the  Buffalo  dance. 
For  eight  boys,  two  girls  and  many  extras. 
Directions  for  costume  and  setting. 

Cornelia  and  her  jewels.     HOA,  p. 

34. 

The  mother  of  the  Gracchi  calls  her  sons 
jewels  with  which  all  the  precious  stones 
of  the  world  are  not  to  be  compared.  For 
two  little  boys  and  three  little  girls. 

Country  mouse  and  the  city  mouse. 

NO,  p.  18. 

Why  safety  at  home  is  better  than  fine 
food  and  danger  in  the  city  for  the  little 
mouse.  Two  shorts  acts  for  three  little 
children. 

Country  mouse  and  the  city  mouse. 
See  also  City  mouse  and  the  coun- 
try mouse. 

Courage.     BUB,  p.  136. 

A  brave  little  Dutch  girl  goes  through 
the  darkness  to  warn  her  father  of  a 
breach  in  the  dyke.  One  act.  For  four 
boys  and  two  girls.     Full  directions. 

Course  of  true  love.    CR,  p.  285. 

"A  holiday  farce  (after  the  fashion  of 
the  Comedy  of  Art  scenarios.)"  Intro- 
duces the  familiar  characters  of  Harlequin 
and  Columbine,  and  may  be  given,  if  pre- 
ferred, in  pantomime.     For  nine  older  boys 


and    two    older    girls.      Directions    given. 
Plays  one  hour. 

Courtship  of  Miles  Standish.    COB. 

The  story  of  John  Alden  and  the  wooing 
of  Priscilla,  a  Puritan  maid,  arranged 
from  Longfellow's  poem  in  two  acts  for 
eleven  boys,  two  girls,  and  extras.  Simple 
directions.     Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Courtship  of  Miles  Standish.  LAS, 
p.  57. 

A  shorter,  simple  version  of  the  same 
story  in  two  scenes  for  two  boys  and  one 
girl.     Simple  directions. 

Courtship  of  Miles  Standish.  LUB, 
V.  2,  p.  147. 

Longfellow's  lines  arranged  in  four 
scenes  with  Prologue,  Epilogue,  and  con- 
necting narrative  for  Chorus.  For  three 
boys,  one  girl,  and  many  extras. 

Courtship  of  Miles  Standish.  See 
also  Maid  of  Plymouth ;  Miles 
Standish ;  Priscilla,  Myles  and 
John;  Standish  of  Standish. 

Cranford.    MEA. 

A  three-act  comedy  arranged  from  Mrs. 
Gaskell's  story.  For  one  boy  and  three 
girls.  Costume  illustration.  Simple  direc- 
tions.   Plays  one  hour. 

Cratchit's  Christmas  dinner.  FO,  p. 
49. 

Arranged  from  Dickens's  Christmas  Carol 
in  one  scene  for  four  boys  And  four  girls. 
Directions. 

Cratchit's  Christmas  dinner.  See 
also  Bob  Cratchit's  Christmas  din- 
ner; Christmas  carol;  Ebenezer 
Scrooge's  Christmas. 

Cricket  on  the  hearth.    COD,  p.  195. 

"To  have  a  cricket  on  the  hearth  is  the 
luckiest  thing  in  all  the  world."  The  story 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peerybingle  and  their 
friends,  arranged  in  three  scenes.  For  six 
boys  and  six  girls.     Directions  given. 

Crocodile.    PR,  p.  42. 

A  dog  cannot  go  down  to  the  river  to 
drink  because  of  a  crocodile.  Very  short. 
For  two  little  children. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


31 


Crow  and  the  fox.     ST,  bk.  3,  p.  6. 

How  flattery  secures  for  a  fox  Miss 
Crow's  piece  of  cheese.    For  three  parts. 

Crow  and  the  fox.    See  also  Fox  and 
the  crow. 

Crowning  of  peace.    SMI,  p.  141. 

Liberty  summons  valorous  War  and 
gentle  Peace,  and  each  claims  to  bestow 
the  better  gifts  on  men.  One  scene.  For 
three  boys  and  two  girls.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Crowning  of  the  dryads.     LUA,  p. 

191. 

"Titania,  the  queen  of  the  fairies,  with 
Pan,  the  flowers  and  the  grasses,  the  birds 
and  the  butterflies,  as  well  as  the  sun  and 
the  winds,  meet  in  the  heart  of  an  ancient 
wood  to  crown  the  dryads."  Three 
scenes.  For  thirty-nine  children.  Includes 
a  Maypole  dance. 

Crow's  children,    G,  p.  151. 

Mother  Crow  tries  to  save  her  young 
ones  from  the  hunter,  but  fails  because  she 
tells  him  that  they  are  as  white  as  snow. 
In  narrative  and  dramatic  form.  For  two 
children. 

Crusaders.     MAB,  second  series. 

King  Richard  I  of  England  is  captured 
by  the  Duke  of  Austria,  and  is  released 
through  the  efforts  of  Blondel,  the  minstrel, 
who  sings  to  him  beneath  the  tower  of 
DiJrnstein  Castle,  where  the  king  is  con- 
fined. A  five  act  play  for  eighteen  boys, 
two  girls  and  extras.  Costume  illustra- 
tions.    Songs  with  music.     Full  directions. 

Cupid  and  Psyche.    COA,  p.  78. 

The  story  of  the  god  of  love  and  his 
love  for  a  mortal  maiden.  Eight  scenes 
for  two  boys  and  six  girls. 

Cupid  and  Psyche.     SE,  p.  85. 

A  simple  narrative  version  illustrated 
with  many  photographs  of  children  in 
Greek  costume  posing  in  the  scenes  from 
the  myths.  To  be  acted  in  pantomime  or 
dramatized  from  text  and  pictures.  Sug- 
gestions to  teachers. 

Daedalus  and  Icarus.     COA,  p.  160. 

How  Daedalus  and  his  son  made  them- 
selves wings  with  which  to  escape  from  the 


labyrinth    which    he    himself    had    made. 
Three  short  scenes  for  three  boys. 

Dame  Greel  o'  Portland  town.  MAH, 
p.  119. 

Dame  Alice  Greel,  who  kept  a  tavern 
in  Portland,  Maine,  at  the  time  of  the 
revolution,  acts  as  well  as  speaks  her  loy- 
alty. An  historical  pageant-play  in  one 
act  for  fourteen  boys  and  four  girls.  Cos- 
tume illustration.     Directions  given. 

Daniel  Boone.    ST,  bk.  4,  p.  142. 

Boone  is  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians 
who  refuse  ransom  for  him.  He  is  made 
a  member  of  the  Chief's  own  family,  learns 
their  plans,  escapes,  and  warns  the  pio- 
neers at  Boonesborough  fort  of  an  Indian 
attack.  Three  scenes  for  sixteen  or  more 
boys. 

Daniel  Boone,  patriot.    MAG,  p.  59. 

"Boone  with  Rigdon  in  the  wilderness 
Dauntlessly  facing  times  of  strife  and 
stress." 

The  scene  is  an  open  woodland  at  Blue 
Lick  Springs,  Kentucky,  in  1778.  One  act. 
For  nine  characters  and  extras.  Includes  a 
war  dance.  Full  directions.  Plays  thirty 
minutes. 

Daniel  Boone's  snuff  box.  HX,  p. 
125. 

The  Indians  of  the  Kentucky  woods 
feared'  Daniel  Boone,  but  admired  him 
more,  and  at  one  time  captured  him  to 
make  him  chief  of  the  tribe.  The  play 
tells  how  Boone  effected  his  escape  by  the 
aid  of  his  discarded  snuff  box.  One  act 
play  for  third  or  fourth  grade  children, 
for  five  boys  and  group  of  Indians. 

Daphne.     COA,  p.  10. 

How  Daphne,  fleeing  from  Apollo,  is 
changed  into  a  laurel  tree.  Five  scenes 
for  three  boys  and  two  girls. 

David  Copperfield.  See  Betsey  Trot- 
wood  at  Home;  Friendly  waiter; 
Micawbers  decide  to  emigrate ; 
Micawbers  dine  with  David;  Mr. 
Micawber's  prospects. 

David  Copperfield  and  his  aunt. 
PER,  p.  1. 

For  note  see  Betsey  Trotwood  at  home. 


33 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


David  Swan.    SI,  second  year,  p.  74. 

Presents  a  unique  type  for  dramatic 
treatment.  It  is  a  fantasy,  not  a  study  in 
action.  David  Swan,  the  sleeping  boy,  is 
the  center  of  interest,  and  arouses  in  the 
various  passers-by  feelings  and  thoughts 
as  diverse  as  their  characters. — Prefatory 
note. 

Arranged  for  High  School  use  from 
Hawthorne's  Twice  Told  Tales.  One  short 
scene  for  seven  boys  and  three  girls. 

Day   before   Thanksgiving.    OL,    p. 
147. 

There  is  great  fear  in  the  hearts  of  the 
barnyard  folk :  Mrs.  Cluck  and  her 
chickens,  Madam  Waddleduck  and  her 
ducklings,  and  cheery  little  Bantam  Cock- 
tail, because  one  of  them  is  sure  to  be 
roasted  for  Thanksgiving.  While  they  are 
waiting  for  their  doom,  good  news  is 
brought  to  them  by  a  Pumpkin  Pie  who 
tells  of  the  terrible  fate  of  the  proud  and 
quarrelsome  Gobbler-Turkey  and  happiness 
returns  to  the  barn  yard ! — Program.  A 
"play  of  terror"  in  one  act  for  three  boys, 
two  girls,  and  twelve  little  children  as 
chicks  and  ducklings.  Costume  designs, 
simple  directions. 

Day  Will  Shakspere  went  to  Kenil- 
worth.    LO,  p.  9L 

Robin  Goodfellow  is  caught  and  buffeted 
by  Will  Shakspere,  a  lad  of  eleven  years, 
who  is  on  his  way  to  Kenilworth  to  see  the 
queen.  According  to  the  law  of  Faerie, 
Robin  now  owes  his  captor  fealty  and  must 
bring  to  him  the  good  gifts  of  fairyland. 
Through  Robin's  good  offices  Oberon  and 
Titania  decide  that  they  have  need  of  an- 
other mortal  soon  to  serve  their  fairy  world 
among  men.  They  promise  that  Will  shall 
see  visions  that  will  make  of  him  a  poet 
and  that  seeds  of  sweet  fancy  and  of  tales 
sad  and  merry  shall  be  planted  in  his  brain. 

A  pageant  play  with  prologue,  five 
episodes  and  epilogue.  Designed  primarily 
for  production  out  of  doors,  by  a  large 
number  of  children.  May  be  given  en- 
tirely in  pantomime.  Fairy  dances.  Music 
suggested.     Directions. 

Days  of  the  week.     HOA,  p.  100. 

Each  day  tells  about  its  own  name  and 
why  it  is  happy.    For  seven  little  children. 

Dekanawida.    PA  A,  p.  1. 

A  pageant  of  unity,  in  five  episodes,  trac- 


ing the  progress  of  unity  in  America  from 
the  Indian  league  of  nations  (Iroquois  con- 
federacy) to  the  modern  League  of  Na- 
tions.— Contents.  May  be  given  out  of 
doors.  Requires  one  soloist.  Episodes  may 
be  presented  separately.  For  many  chil- 
dren. Costumes  suggested.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Departure.    TU,  p.  1. 

Story  of  the  very  early  days  of  Harvard 
College. — Contents.  For  two  boys  and  two 
girls.     Short. 

Destruction  of  Treasure  Valley.  KN, 

p.  85. 

How  the  Black  Brothers  are  punished  by 
Southwest  wind  for  selfishness.  Adapted 
from  The  King  of  the  Golden  River.  Two 
scenes  for  four  boys. 

Destruction  of  Treasure  Valley.  See 
also  King  of  the  Golden  River; 
Southwest  wind's  visit  to  Gluck; 
Story   of   Gluck;   Strange   visitor. 

Diamond  and  the  North  Wind.  KN. 

p.  45. 

Diamond,  the  coachman's  son,  who  sleeps 
in  the  loft,  dreams  of  two  remarkable 
journeys  which  he  makes  with  North  Wind. 
Adapted  from  George  Macdonald's  At  the 
Back  of  the  North  Wind.  Two  scenes 
for  six  boys  and  two  girls. 

Diana  and  Endymion.    SE,  p.  63. 

A  simple  narrative  version  illustrated 
with  many  photographs  of  children  in 
Greek  costume  posing  in  the  scenes  from 
the  myths.  To  be  acted  in  pantomime  or 
dramatized  from  text  and  pictures.  Sug- 
gestions to  teachers. 

Dick  Swiveller  and  the  Marchioness. 

PER,  p.  167. 

Dick  discovers  the  Marchioness  looking 
through  the  key-hole  for  company.  Ar- 
ranged from  Dickens's  "Old  Curiosity 
Shop"  for  one  boy  and  one  girl.  Four 
costume  plates.     Stage  directions. 

Dick  Whittington  and  his  cat.  SCB, 

p.  167. 

How  Dick  finds  at  last  the  golden  pave- 
ments of  London  town.  Six  short  scenes 
for  ten  boys  and  two  girls. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


33 


Dicky  Dot  and  Dotty  Dick.     S,  p. 

180. 

A  little  boy  and  little  girl  talk  about 
what  they  will  do  some  day  when  they 
are  "big  folks."     Short. 

Discontented  blacksmith.     LAN,  p. 

34. 

A  blacksmith  in  India  who  was  never 
happy  is  in  turn  a  stone,  a  stonecutter,  a 
prince,  a  cloud,  and  the  sun ;  and  in  the 
end  finds  that  it  is  good  to  be  a  man  and 
a  blacksmith.  From  a  Siamese  story.  In 
narrative  form. 

Discontented  pine  tree.  BRY,  p.  96. 

A  little  pine  tree  learns  that  needles  are 
better  than  leaves  of  gold,  of  silver  or  of 
green.     For  four  little  children. 

Discontented   pine    tree.      See    also 
Pine  tree. 

Discovery  of  America.    GOA,  bk.  3, 

p.  7. 

Shows  Columbus  as  a  humble  petitioner 
at  court,  as  commander  of  his  ship,  dis- 
coverer of  America  and  triumphant  hero 
welcomed  home.  Six  short  scenes.  For 
thirteen  boys,  one  girl,  and  many  extras. 
For  class-room  use. 

Discovery  of  America.    HX,  p.  3. 

"Who  discovered  it,  how  it  was  dis- 
covered, and  why  the  Red-men  were  called 
Indians."  A  short  and  simple  little  play 
in  three  acts  for  third  and  fourth  grade 
children.  For  six  boys,  one  girl,  and 
extras. 

Division  between  friends.    BRO,  p. 
109. 

Sairey  Gamp  and  Betsey  Prig  quarrel 
over  their  tea  to  the  dismay  of  Mr. 
Sweedlepipe,  barber  and  bird-fancier,  over 
whose  shop  Mrs.  Gamp  lives.  One  scene 
from  Martin  Chuzzlewit  for  one  boy  and 
two  girls.  Costume  illustration.  Full  di- 
rections.    Plays  twenty-five  minutes. 

A  slightly  different  version  is  given  in 
Scenes  from  Dickens  by  G.  Pertwee,  under 
the  title  of  Mrs.  Gamp  and  Mrs.  Prig. 

Dog  and  his  shadow.     PR,  p.  72. 

A  dog  swimming  across  a  river  with  a 
bone  in  his  mouth  growls  at  his  shadow 
and  quarrels  with  the  echo  of  his  voice. 
For  two  little  children. 


Dolls.     DR,  November,  1920,  p.  52. 

A  Christmas  nonsense  play  in  three 
scenes  by  Louise  Van  Voorhis  Armstrong. 
The  Fashionable  lady  doll,  the  Marie  An- 
toinette doll,  the  Harlequin,  the  Baby,  the 
Peasant,  the  Soldier  and  the  Japanese  dolls, 
fail  to  take  the  place  of  Genevieve,  the  old 
doll,  in  the  Little  Girl's  heart.  For  eleven 
characters.  Photograph  shows  designs  of 
costumes.     Directions. 

Dolly  Madison,  BI,  p.  247. 

How  the  wife  of  President  Madison 
escapes  when  the  British  attack  the  city 
of  Washington.  Four  scenes  for  fourteen 
boys,  three  girls,  and  extras. 

Don  Quixote.     ST,  bk.  4,  p.  179. 

Various  adventures  of  the  valorous  and 
foolish  knight  and  his  faithful  squire, 
Sancho  Panza.  Based  on  incidents  in  Cer- 
vantes's  romance.  Four  scenes  for  twenty- 
two  boys,  twenty-five  girls,  and  extras. 

Dora:  her  flag.     OLA,  p.  19. 

In  the  year  1918  Dora,  a  little  lame  girl, 
was  busy  in  her  humble  home — and  a  De- 
serter from  the  American  Army  enters — 
travel-worn,  with  angry,  hunted  eyes.  But 
it  need  not  be  told  here,  how  the  child's 
simple  faith  and  patriotism  awakens  in  his 
heart  once  more  the  Love  of  Country ! — 
Program.  "A  play  of  patriotism"  in  one 
act  for  one  boy  and  one  girl.  Simple  di- 
rections. 

Dotheboys  Hall.     COD,  p.  111. 

Thirteen  scenes  from  Nicholas  Nickleby. 
Nicholas  Nickleby  is  engaged  by  Mr. 
Squeers  as  first  assistant  at  Dotheboys 
Hall ;  Mrs.  Squeers  searches  for  the  school 
spoon ;  Mr.  Squeers  hears  the  first  class 
and  Nicholas  becomes  acquainted  with 
Smike ;  The  Squeers  family  discuss  the 
new  teacher  who  gives  himself  such  airs; 
Mathilda  Price  and  her  lover,  John 
Browdie,  take  tea  with  Fanny  Squeers; 
Mathilda  and  Fanny  become  reconciled 
after  the  quarrel  and  Nicholas  declares  his 
desire  to  turn  his  back  upon  this  accursed 
place;  Smike  finds  a  friend  in  Nicholas 
who  promises  to  help  him ;  Mr.  Squeers 
discovers  that  Smike  is  nowhere  to  be 
found ;  Nicholas  prevents  Mr.  Squeers 
from  flogging  Smike,  and  turns  the  lash 
upon  the  proprietor  of  Dotheboys  Hall 
himself;  John  Browdie  loans  a  sovereign 


34 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


to  Nicholas  who  has  fled  and  who  takes 
Smike  with  him  on  his  way  to  London ; 
Mr.  Squeers  and  Wackford  call  upon  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  John  Browdie  at  the  Saracen's 
Head  in  London  and  tell  them  of  the 
capture  of  Smike;  John  Browdie  helps 
Smike  to  escape  from  the  upper  room  in 
Snawley's  house ;  Nicholas  takes  tea  with 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Browdie  at  the  Sara- 
cen's Head  and  Mr.  Squeers,  Fanny  and 
Wackford  make  an  unexpected  call.  For 
eight  boys,  four  girls  and  extra  boys.  Di- 
rections given. 

The  fifth  scene  is  given  in  nearly  the 
same  form  in  Miss  Squeer's  tea  party  in 
Short  Plays  from  Dickens  by  H.  B. 
Browne. 

Dotheboys  HalL  See  also  Miss 
Squeers'  tea-party ;  Nicholas 
Nickleby. 

Dream  lady.    SYR,  p.  13. 

A  delicate  and  fanciful  little  play  "full 
of  fairy  nonsense"  about  a  wonderful 
Lady  of  Dreams  visible  only  to  those  who 
love,  or  whose  hearts  are  childlike.  One 
act.  For  four  boys,  six  girls,  and  extras. 
Costumes  suggested.  Directions  given. 
Plays  forty-five  minutes. 

Dream  of  freedom.     STA,  p.  53. 

The  Puritans  of  Scrooby  meet  in  se- 
cret, are  persecuted  by  the  King's  officers, 
and  at  last  escape  to  Holland.  Four  acts. 
For  twenty-eight  boys,  nine  girls  and 
extras,  but  parts  may  be  doubled.  Simple 
directions. 

Dream  of  gold.  STA,  p.  1. 

The  early  settlers  at  Jamestown  meet 
with  disappointment  and  suff^ering,  but  a 
new  hope  of  a  glorious  future  is  aroused 
by  the  coming  of  Lord  Delaware.  Four 
acts.  For  forty-seven  boys,  seven  girls, 
and  extras,  but  parts  may  be  doubled. 
Simple  directions. 

Dream-toy  shop.     SA,  p.  3. 

The  Little  Maiden  visits  the  place 
"Where  the  dream-toys  dance  and 

play 
On  the  eve  of  Christmas  day!" 

A  playlet  in  two  scenes  for  four  little 
girls  and  six  little  boys.  Includes  songs 
and  dances.  Costumes  described.  Direc- 
tions  given. 


Drummer  girl.  PR,  p.  104. 

Plucky  Rebecca  and  Sarah  beat  the 
drum  and  play  the  fife  and  make  some 
men  who  attack  the  boats  in  the  harbor 
of  a  little  village  think  that  there  are 
many  soldiers  ready  to  face  them.  For 
four  little  boys  and  two  little  girls. 

Dryad  and  the  deacon.     DR,  Mar.- 
Apr.,  1920,  p.  217. 

As  Deacon  Shadrach  Snow  reads  his  Bay 
Psalm  book  in  a  New  England  wooded 
glade  he  is  interrupted  by  a  smiling  dryad 
who  comes  out  from  the  oak  tree  which 
the  deacon  is  about  to  cut  down.  He  would 
save  her  from  the  fate  of  dying  when  the 
ax  is  laid  at  the  root  of  her  tree,  and  he 
gives  her  his  blessing,  but  she  dances  away 
from  him  and  vanishes  into  the  tree  again. 
A  faerie  in  one  scene  by  William  O.  Bates. 
Two  parts.    Directions. 

Dryad's  awakening.     SY,  p.   123. 

From  the  trunk  of  a  great  oak  steps  a 
Dryad,  who  leads  nymphs  and  fauns,  but- 
terflies and  birds  in  a  Revel  of  Spring.  A 
sketch  for  a  ballet. 

Dulce  et  decorum  club.  MEC,  p.  131. 

Some  boys  and  girls  who  are  weaving 
garlands  for  Memorial  Day  find  living 
heroes  in  an  old  Union  Soldier  with  right 
arm  missing  and  an  old  Confederate 
Soldier  with  left  arm  missing.  E^ch  old 
man  discovers  in  the  other  his»  brother 
whom  he  thought  he  had  killed  at  Gettys- 
burg. One  act.  For  six  boys,  thirteen 
girls  and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

Each  in  his  own  place.     ST,  bk.  3, 
p.  14. 

Straw,  Coal,  Snowflake,  Sugar  Loaf  and 
Sausage  lose  their  lives  by  trying  to  do 
each  other's  work.     For  five  children. 

Eager  Heart.     BU. 

"I  am  not  worthy;  can  it  be 
That  thou  wilt  stoop  to  dwell  with 

me? 
That,  leaving  fame  and  joys  apart. 
Thou  com'st,  the  Guest  of  Eager 
Heart?" 
A  Christmas  mystery  play  in  verse   for 
seven     boys,     three     girls,     and     extras. 
Chorals  given  in  separate  volume.     Direc- 
tions given. 


INDEX  TO  PLAYS 


35. 


Eagle  and  the  owl.     PR,  p.  54. 

Mother  Eagle  asks  the  Owl  not  to  harm 
her  beautiful  eaglets,  but  the  Owl  eats 
some  strange  scrawny  creatures  and 
Mother  Eagle  calls  the  Owl  a  false  friend. 
Three  short  acts  for  three  little  children. 

Easter  lily.    NO,  p.  23. 

A  story  of  an  Easter  lily  who  wanted 
to  be  taken  to  the  church  on  Easter  day. 
Two  short  acts  for  eight  little  children. 

Easter  rabbit.    TU,  p.  75. 

A  story  of  the  early  days  of  New  York. 
— Contents.  Three  short  scenes  for  four 
boys,  five  girls,  and  "other  boys  and  girls 
of  the  village." 

Easter  rabbit.    WI,  p.  89. 

The  rabbit  comes  to  tell  the  children  that 
spring  has  come  at  last.  A  German  legend 
arranged  in  nine  parts  for  primary  grades. 

Ebenezer  Scrooge's  Christmas.  KN, 

p.  159. 

Charles  Dickens's  Christmas  Carol 
adapted  in  seven  scenes  for  fourteen  boys 
and  one  girl. 

Ebenezer  Scrooge's  Christmas.  See 
also  Bob  Cratchit's  Christmas  din- 
ner; Christmas  carol;  Cratchit's 
Christmas  dinner. 

Echo.    JO,  p.  23. 

How  the  echo  in  the  mountain  answered 
Jack  who  thought  he  was  a  boy  calling  to 
him.    For  three  little  children. 

Edge  of  the  wood.  DR,  Feb.,  1920, 
p.  196. 

Eric,  of  the  world  of  men,  visits  the 
wood  where  dwells  the  Spirit  of  the  White 
Birch  Tree  who  claims  the  soul  he  vowed 
to  her  on  Midsummer  eve  one  year  before. 
Written  by  Katharine  Metcalf  Roof.  One 
scene,  for  six  characters  besides  dryads, 
fauns  and  satyrs.     Simple  directions. 

Edward  III.     MAB,  second  series. 

"St.  George  for  Merry  England ! 
Loud  was  our  battle-cry; 
And  to  the  winds  of  heaven 
The  red  cross  streaming  high ; 
And  evermore  the  names  resound 

Of  Calais  and  Crecy; 
Trumpet  call,  trumpet  call. 
To  England's  chivalry!" 
The  victories  in  France  are  followed  bv 


a  scene  of  rejoicmg  in  London  when  the 
King  comes  home. 

One  act.  For  fifteen  boys,  and  seven 
girls,  or  for  a  smaller  number  if  parts  are 
doubled.  Costume  illustrations.  Songs 
and  a  Morris  dance.    Full  directions. 

Effie's  Christmas  dream.    FOU. 

A  discontented  little  girl  dreams  of 
Christmas  land  where  everyone  works  the 
year  round  to  get  ready  for  the  happy 
day.  Adapted  from  Louisa  M,  Alcott's 
A  Christmas  Dream  and  How  It  Came 
True.  Three  acts.  For  sixteen  boys, 
twelve  girls,  and  extras.  Costumes  sug- 
gested. Directions  given.  Plays  forty 
minutes. 

Eg3^tian  cat.     SA,  p.  122. 

A  humorous  shadow  play  about  a 

Maiden,  her  suitors,  and 
"A  sacred  cat  with  yellow  eyes 
As  big  as  big  could  be." 

Arranged  in  six  scenes  for  four  boys, 
two  girls,  and  an  operator.  The  direc- 
tions are  very  full  and  are  illustrated  by 
diagrams. 

Elf  child.  MAE,  p.  169. 

Heather  Bell,  an  elf  who  wishes  to  be- 
come human,  learns  that  neither  gold  nor 
knowledge  can  give  her  a  soul,  but  that 
"grief  and  thought  for  another  will  open 
e'en  the  doors  of  Paradise."  ,  For  four 
girls,  and  chorus  of  six  or  more  children. 
Full  directions. 

Elves  and  the  shoemaker.  GO,  p.  43. 

Two  little  shoemaker  elves  are  rewarded 
for  their  kindness  to  the  shoemaker  and 
his  wife,  by  finding  two  pairs  of  wee  red 
shoes  and  two  fine  red  suits  which  they 
don  in  great  glee.  For  seven  boys,  two 
girls,  and  extras.  Directions  and  music 
for  the  dance  of  the  elves.  Costumes  de- 
scribed and  illustrated.     Five  short  scenes. 

Elves  and  the  shoemaker.  SMI,  p. 
181. 

A  pantomime  for  one  man,  one  woman, 
two  little  boys,  and  several  grown  people 
and  children  as  minor  characters.  Ar- 
ranged in  five  scenes  from  Grimm's 
Household  Stories. 

Elves  and  the  shoemaker.  WIS,  p.  5. 

Jecco,  Echo  and  Re-echo,  tiny  elves, 
bring  good  luck  to  Father  and  Mother 
Beck.      Four    short    acts    arranged    for    a 


36 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


community  Christmas  celebration.  For  five 
boys,  three  girls,  and  extras.  Simple  di- 
rections. 

Emperor's  bird-nest.    LA,  p.  146. 

Poem  by  Henry  Wadsworth  Longfellow. 

Emperor's  new  clothes.    BE,  p.  261. 

The  story  of  the  clothes  said  to  be  in- 
visible to  anyone  who  is  very  stupid  or 
very  wicked,  arranged  for  eleven  boys,  two 
girls,  and  extras.  Songs  with  music.  Cos- 
tumes suggested.     Full  directions. 

Emperor's  test.    ST,  bk.  3,  p.  149. 

Because  of  his  keen  sight  and  quick 
thought,  Pierre,  the  woodcutter's  son,  is 
chosen  as  guide  to  lead  the  emperor  safely 
through  the  forest.  Three  short  scenes, 
For  nine  boys  and  three  girls. 

Enchanted  garden.  MAE,  p.  59. 

"the  great   Queen   of   Hearts 
Will  leave  for  one  morning  her  baking 

of  tarts 
To  choose  from  this  garden  the  loveliest 

flower." 
A  June  play  in  a  garden.  For  three 
boys,  seven  girls,  and  extras.  Directions 
for  indoor  production  also  and  for  cos- 
tumes are  given.  Contains  a  dance  for  the 
flowers.    Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Encounter  in  the  forest.  TU,  p.  56. 

A  story  of  the  early  days  in  Massachu- 
setts.— Contents.  For  five  boys.  Very 
short. 

Endless  tale.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  54. 

A  king  seeks  a  story  teller  who  can  tell 
a  story  that  will  last  forever.  For  three 
little  boys,  one  little  girl,  and  extras. 

Endless  tale.     See  also  Story  that 

had  no  end. 

Enemy.    DI. 

"Good  Lord !  He's  just  like  any  other 
chap.  They're  all  just  like  ourselves — and 
we're  killing  them  this  very  night — killing 
them  by  hundreds."  One  act.  For  five 
boys.  Written  for  the  American  School 
Peace  League  by  Beulah  Marie  Dix.  Full 
directions. 

Enterprise     of     the     "Mayflower." 

MAB,  first  series. 

"Now  if  you  would  plantations  make 
And  Cities  in  the  wild,  O, 


You  must  much  joy  and  ease  forsake 
And  find  much  toil  and  care,  O, 
And  find  much  toil  and  care,  O." 

A  four-act  play  covering  the  time  from 
the  decisive  conference  in  William  Brew- 
ster's house  in  Scrooby  until  the  celebra- 
tion of  the  first  Thanksgiving  in  New 
England.  For  eleven  boys  and  three  girls. 
Costume  illustrations.  Music  suggested. 
Full  directions. 

Evangeline.    LUB,  v.  2,  p.  42. 

Longfellow's  lines  arranged  in  four 
scenes  with  Prologue,  Epilogue,  and  con- 
necting narrative  for  Chorus.  For  six 
boys,  one  girl  and  many  extras.  For  school 
use. 

Evangeline.  ST,  bk.  5,  p.  236. 

The  story  of  the  Acadian  exiles  ar- 
ranged in  five  acts  for  twelve  boys,  eight 
girls,  and  many  extras.  Based  on  Long- 
fellow's poem. 

Ever-Ever  Land.    BW,  p.  37. 

Under  the  guidance  of  a  fairy,  whose 
wand  is  imagination,  a  child  is  led  into 
the  Ever-Ever  Land,  which  is  peopled  by 
children  who  have  figured  in  literature, 
characters  so  loved  by  boys  and  girls.  One 
by  one  these  characters  greet  her,  and  as 
they  fade  away  the  fairy  tells  her  that  the 
Ever-Ever  Land  is  not  afar;  that  it  is 
really  within  a  child's  own  happy  heart. 
^-Story  of  the  Play. 

For  sixteen  boys  and  seventeen  girls. 
Costumes  suggested  and  simple  stage  direc- 
tions given.    Plays  about  twenty  minutes. 

Every  boy.    LUA,  p.  177. 

A  short  morality  play  for  Every  boy, 
Opportunity,  Common  Sense,  Good  breed- 
ing. Chivalry,  Health,  Fun,  Knowledge, 
Politics,  Work,  Patriotism,  and  extras  as 
boys  in  dumb-bell  drill. 

Every-Girl's  friends.    OLA,  p.  77. 

One  night  Every-Girl,  sad,  and  cross  and 
half  sick,  sat  alone  in  her  pretty  room. 
Suddenly  through  the  open  window  sprang 
Fresh-Air  who  leads  her  far  away  to  the 
wonderful  Hall  of  Health  and  there  the 
young  girl  meets  many  friends,  whom  she 
never  knew  before.  They  were — Meat, 
and  Sleep,  and  Milk,  and  Long  Walks,  and 
Bread,  and  Eggs,  and  Cold  Water  and  one 
other  sweet  friend,  who  was  called,  Rose- 
of-the-AUey.  And  in  the  Hall  of  Health, 
Every-Girl   gains    such   health   and   happi- 


INDEX  TO  PLAYS 


37 


ness  that  will  live  for  ever  in  her  life ! — 
Program.  "A  play  of  health"  in  two  acts 
for  ten  characters.  Costume  designs  and 
simple  directions. 

Everychild.  SA,  p.  101. 

"How  Everychild  sought  for  a  com- 
panion on  her  quest  for  Goodness  and 
Beauty,  and  having  at  length  chosen,  re- 
ceived also  certain  treasures."  A  school 
morality  for  nine  boys  or  girls.  No  stage 
setting  necessary.  Costumes  described. 
Simple  directions. 

Everychild.    T. 

Everychild  fares  forth  with  Reality  from 
the  Castle  of  Imagination  through  the 
Garden  of  Grinding  Growth  and  the  Cur- 
riculum Forest  to  the  House  of  Life.  A 
modern  morality  play  in  three  acts  by  G. 
F.  Tooker.  Directions  for  setting.  For 
thirty-seven  characters  and  extras.  Plays 
a   full   evening. 

Everyday  gold.     SX,  p.   133. 

Three  brownies,  Nip,  Tuk,  Tid,  go  from 
village  to  village  picking  up  the  gold  that 
children  waste;  for  example,  minutes, 
broken  promises,  opportunities,  temper,  etc. 
Out  of  this  wasted  gold  they  fashion  a 
crown  for  the  most  worthy  child  in  the 
village. — Plot  of  the  play. 

For  five  boys,  four  girls  and  extras. 
Simple  suggestions. 

"Everygiri."    S A,  p.  111. 

Everygirl  chooses  Work,  Health  and 
Love  to  journey  with  her  through  "the 
years  that  are  to  come."  Includes  a  flower 
dance.  For  seventeen  Girls.  Costumes  de- 
scribed and  illustrated.     Simple  directions. 

Fables  in  verse.    LA,  p.  31. 

Fables  and  nonsense  rhymes  by  Ralph 
Waldo  Emerson. 

Fairies.     BUB,  p.  23. 

Little  Bridget  comes  back  from  seven 
years  spent  with  the  fairies,  but  returns 
to  them  and  is  crowned  their  lady  queen. 
Based  on  William  Allingham's  poem 
about  the  "Wee  folk-good  folk."  In  verse. 
One  act.  For  one  boy,  eight  girls  and 
extras.  Directions  for  costumes  and  set- 
ting. 


Fairies  of  Caldon  Low.     G,  p.  9. 

How  little  Mary  went  all  alone  to  the 
top  of  Caldon  Hill  and  saw  many  wonder- 
ful things  done  by  the  fairies.  In  narrative 
and  dramatic  form.  For  three  boys  and 
nine  girls. 

Fairies'  plea.    FRN,  p.  133. 

An  interlude  for  Shakespeare  day  adapted 
from  Thomas  Hood's  Plea  for  the  Mid- 
summer Fairies.  One  act.  For  three  boys, 
four  girls,  and  extras.  Simple  directions. 
Plays  less  than  an  hour. 

Fairy  and  the  cat.     ST,  bk.  1,  p.  69. 

A  mouse  betrays  the  fact  that  the  prin- 
cess's playmate  is  not  a  real  little  girl,  but 
a  cat  transformed  by  a  fairy.  For  six  lit- 
tle children. 

Fairy  and  the  poor  man.    DO,  p.  85. 

A  gift  of  three  wishes  is  used  by  a  poor 
man  and  his  wife  to  bring  them  good 
health,  daily  food,  and  a  beautiful  house 
to  live  in.  But  when  the  rich  man  and 
his  wife  have  wished  they  are  no  better 
off  than  before.  For  two  boys  and  two 
girls. 

Fairy  bells.     A,  p.  57. 

Peter,  a  matchseller,  and  May,  his  little 
sister,  are  rescued  from  want  by  the  fairies 
Starbright  and  Eyebright.  Written  in 
verse.  For  one  boy,  three  girls,  and  extras 
in  chorus.  Illustrated.  Music  for  songs. 
Directions. 

Fairy  bride.     O. 

A  play  written  by  N.  J.  O'Conor  about 
the  blemished  prince  who  cannot  reign,  his 
visit  to  the  Fairy  other-world,  and  the 
fairy  bride  who  proves  that  "by  our  love 
shall  we  be  made  immortal."  The  scene 
is  Ireland  before  the  introduction  of 
Christianity.  Three  acts.  For  seven  boys, 
two  girls,  and  extras.  Words  and  music 
for  three  songs.    Directions. 

Fairy  changeling.     SP. 

Little  Jo  becomes  a  fairy  only  to  find 
that  he  would  rather  be  a  boy  again.  A 
flower  and  fairy  play  for  thirty-five  chil- 
dren by  Mrs.  Harriet  E.  P.  Spofford. 
Costumes  described  and  illustrated.  Music 
suggested  is  from  Gilbert  and  Sullivan 
operas.     Directions.     Plays  one  hour. 


Fairies.    See  also  Little  Bridget.  Same:  The  changeling.  S,  p.  202. 


38 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Fairy  gold.    BA. 

"We  are  the  hid-folk, 
Seen-but-by-the-faith-folk, 

Beauty's  surprise : 
Not-to-be-chid-folk, 
Not-to-be-proved-folk 
Only  the  loved  folk 

Of  childhood  the  wise." 

Jack-a-Dreams,  a  mortal,  seizes  the  fairy 
shoemaker's  magic  cap  to  compel  him  to 
reveal  the  place  where  elfin  treasure  is 
buried.  Outwitted  by  the  fairies,  he  finds 
that  fairy  gold  still  flees  from  men.  A 
play  by  Katherine  Lee  Bates,  for  three 
boys,  six  girls,  and  many  fairies  for  the 
dance. 

Fairy  minstrel  of  Glenmalure.  LUA, 
p.  141. 

_  Emun,  a  little  boy,  answers  three  strange 
riddles  to  save  Kathleen  and  himself  from 
a  giant.  A  fanciful  fairy  play  from  Ed- 
mund Leamy's  story  with  the  same  title. 
For  five  boys,  four  girls,  and  twenty  small 
children  representing  a  band  of  gallants. 
Costumes  suggested.     Simple  directions. 

Fairy  Old  Boy  and  the  tiger.     CX. 

A  Chinese  story  of  a  fierce  and  evil  tiger 
who  terrorized  a  countryside.  His  evil  na- 
ture was  gradually  conquered  by  the  ad- 
vice of  a  good  fairy  until  he  became  a 
help  instead  of  a  trouble  and  he  finally 
loses  the  shape  of  a  tiger  and  is  trans- 
formed into  a  handsome  young  man,  the 
God  of  the  Western  Heaven. — Contents. 
Two  acts.  For  seven  characters,  besides 
a  flock  of  sheep.  Illustrations  of  costumes 
and  setting.  Property  list  and  stage  direc- 
tions.    Plays  twenty-five  minutes. 

Fairy  ring.     COF. 

The  fairies  save  a  disobedient  little  boy 
and  girl  from  the  sprites  and  nixies  who 
wish  to  carry  them  away.  For  three  boys, 
three  girls,  and  many  extras.  Costumes 
described.     Short. 

Fairy  shoemaker.    WI,  p.  33. 

Tom  wants  to  catch  the  Fairy  shoemaker 
who  can  tell  him  where  there  is  a  pot  of 
gold.  Yet  in  the  end  he  finds  that  he  will 
get  it  sooner  if  he  earns  it  for  himself. 
In  narrative  form  for  primary  grades. 
For  an  elaborate  dramatic  version  see  Fairy 
gold. 


Faithful  shepherd.    SX,  p.  189. 

King  John  hears  of  the  great  riches  of 
the  Abbot  of  Canterbury.  He  plans  to 
punish  the  Abbot,  for  he  believes  the  holy 
man  has  gotten  his  wealth  in  a  dishonest 
way.  The  King  decides  that  the  Abbot 
must  answer  three  questions  which  his 
Majesty  gives.  If  he  fails  to  give  the  cor- 
rect answers  to  them  he  will  lose  his  head. 
The  Abbot  tells  his  trouble  to  his  faithful 
shepherd,  who  off'ers  to  go,  disguised  as 
the  Abbot,  before  the  King  and  answer 
the  three  questions.  The  shepherd's  wit 
wins  the  King's  favor  and  saves  the  Ab- 
bot's head. — Plot  of  the  play. 

For  three  boys  and  one  girl.  Simple' sug- 
gestions. 

Faithful  shepherd.  See  also  King 
John  and  the  abbot;  Two  ques- 
tions. 

Falling  out  of  Mrs.  Gamp  and  Mrs. 
Prig.    PER,  p.  155. 

Two  old  friends  quarrel  over  their  cup 
of  tea.  One  scene  from  Martin  Chuzzle- 
wit  for  two  girls.  Two  costume  plates. 
Directions  given. 

A  slightly  different  version  is  given  in 
Short  Plays  from  Dickens  by  H.  B'. 
Browne,  under  the  title  of  a  Division  be- 
tween friends. 

False  Sir  Santa  Claus.     S,  p.  109. 

A  Christmas  masque  for  young  and  old 

.    .     designed  to  precede  the  Christmas 

tree    at    a    Christmas    party.      [Forezvord.] 

For  nine  boys,  four  girls,  and  many  extras. 

Costumes  described.     Songs  with  music. 

Familiar  quotations.  HA,  p.  75. 

A  combination  of  play  and  game  in  which 
the  actors  interpret  by  costume  and  gesture, 
and  the  audience  guesses  the  quotation. 
Calls  for  eighteen  characters.  Directions 
given.     Short. 

Family  quarrel.     CHA,  p.  71. 

"Take  warning,  both  of  ye ! 

Now  have  your  eyes  been  opened,  and 

ye  see 
The  sorry  thing  a  favorite  child  may 

be." 

Starling  and  Elfkin,  two  little  boys,  are 
brought  to  fairyland,  and  there  kept  safe 
until  their  foolish  parents  shall  turn  good. 
A  two-act  play  in  verse  for  five  older  boys 
and   four  older  girls. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


39 


Famine;  a  pantomime.    SC,  p.  50. 

Minute  directions  are  given  for  expres- 
sion and  gesture  for  each  line  of  this  se- 
lection from  the  Song  of  Hiawatha.  For 
twelve  children  or  less. 

Fanchette  from  France.     HAB,  p. 

137. 

The  actors  impersonate  dolls  who,  ac- 
cording to  an  old  nursery  tradition,  come 
to  life  for  an  hour  at  midnight.  One  act. 
For  four  boys  and  three  girls.  Costumes 
described.     Directions  given. 

Farewell.  DO,  p.  178. 

Poem  by  Charles  Kingsley. 

Father  of  the  Waters.     HX,  p.  50. 

How  Joliet  and  Marquette  set  out  to 
find  a  strange,  big  river,  how  they  sailed 
down  it,  and  claimed  the  land  on  both  sides 
for  France.  A  short  play  in. two  acts  for 
third  or  fourth  grade  children.  For  six 
boys  and  extras. 

Father  Time  and  his  children.  MEB, 

p.  7. 
"For  lo !  I  am  Time,  your  old  Father  Time, 
The   reason   of   wrinkles,   the   rhythm   of 

rhyme : 
First  aboriginal  native  of  space; 
Earliest  settler  all  over  the  place; 
The  oldest  inhabitant  here,  or  there; 
The  latest  arrival  everywhere." 

Characters :  Father  Time  and  the  twelve 
months  of  the  year.  One  act.  Costumes 
suggested. 

Feast  of  lanterns.     SK,  p.  209. 

Wang  Chi  is  spirited  away  by  the  genii 
of  the  mountains  on  the  day  of  the  Feast 
of  Lanterns.  A  Chinese  folk  tale  in  nar- 
rative form. 

Feathertop.    SI,  first  year,  p.  80. 

Mother  Rigby,  a  witch,  makes  a  man  of 
her  Scarecrow,  and  sends  him  out  into  the 
world.  But  when  he  sees  himself  for  what 
he  is,  a  wretched,  ragged,  empty  thing, 
he  decides  to  exist  no  longer.  Arranged 
from  Hawthorne's  Mosses  from  an  Old 
Manse  in  two  short  scenes  for  two  boys 
and  one  girl.     For  High  School  use. 

Ferdinand  Magellan.     BI,  p.  97. 

Episode  from  the  long  voyage  of  Ma- 
gellan, who  found  a  way  to  sail  around 
the  world.  Eight  scenes  for  thirteen  boys 
and  extras. 


Ferry  Farm  episode.     MAG,  p.  38. 

A  plantation  scene  on  the  lawn  of  Ferry 
Farm  in  1748  when  Master  George  Wash- 
ington leaves  for  a  surveying  trip  with 
Lord  Fairfax.  For  five  boys  and  six  girls. 
Full  directions.     Short. 

Ferry  me  across  the  water.  DO,  p. 
13. 

Poem  by  Christina  G.  Rossetti  arranged 
for  two  parts. 

First  American  flag.     F,  p.  151. 

Washington  and  his  aides  visit  Betsey 
Ross  and  commission  her  to  make  the  first 
American  flag.  Two  short  scenes.  For 
three  boys  and  one  girl.     Simple  directions. 

First  American  flag.  See  also  First 
flag;  Making  a  flag;  Making  of 
the  first  American  flag;  Our  first 
flag;  Our  flag. 

First  Christmas  Eve.    GX,  p.  37. 

How  the  knowledge  of  the  birth  of 
Christ  came  to  a  family  in  a  hut  on  the 
hills  of  Britain.  A  miracle  play  in  one  act 
for  five  persons. 

First  Christmas  tree.    WI,  p.  64. 

Carl  and  Elsbeth,  who  care  for  a  child 
lost  in  the  storm,  are  rewarded  by  her  gift 
of  a  tree  that  shall  bear  wonderful  fruit 
each  year.  In  narrative  form  for  primary 
grades. 

First  crop  of  apples.    TU,  p.  83. 

A  story  of  Providence  in  colonial  days. 
— Contents.  For  three  boys  and  three  girls. 
Short. 

First  flag.     MEC,  p.  77. 

General  George  Washington  visits  Betsey 
Ross  in  her  upholstery  shop  and  commis- 
sions her  to  make  the  first  flag  of  the 
United  States.  One  act.  For  four  boys 
and  three  girls.    Simple  directions. 

First  flag.  See  also  First  American 
flag;  Making  a  flag;  Making  of 
the  first  American  flag;  Our  first 
flag;  Our  flag. 

First  in  war.     HX,  p.  72. 

General  Washington  is  made  Com- 
mander-in-Chief of  the  American  army. 
A    very   short    little   play   in   one    act    for 


40 


PLAYS    FOR   CHILDREN 


four  boys  and  others,  in  the  third  or  fourth 
grade. 

First  May  baskets.    WIC,  p.  63. 

The  little  wood  creatures  summoned  by 
Lady  Spring's  flute  make  baskets  of  green 
moss  and  filled  them  with  flowers.  These 
they  send  as  messages  to  the  children,  who 
run  to  the  woods  to  rejoice  that  Spring 
has  come  at  last.  Two  scenes.  For  seven 
boys,  three  girls,  and  extras  as  dryads, 
fairies,  and  pixies.     Simple  directions. 

First  Thanksgiving  day.  HX,  p.  23. 

How  the  Pilgrims  landed  at  Plymouth 
and  were  welcomed  by  the  Indians,  and 
how  they  celebrated  their  first  feast  of 
Thanksgiving  in  their  new  home.  Short 
play  in  two  acts  for  six  boys,  two  girls, 
and  groups  of  Pilgrims  and  Indians.  For 
third   and   fourth  grade  children. 

First  Thanksgiving  day.    JO,  p.  121. 

How  the  Indians  feasted  with  the  folk 
of  Plymouth  and  how  they  smoked  the 
pipe  of  peace.  Two  short  acts  for  eight 
little  boys  and  three  little  girls. 

First  Thanksgiving  day.  SA,  p.  89. 

"However  great  the  destiny  that  may 
await  our  colony,  struggling  here  in  the 
wilderness,  this  day  must  never  be  for- 
gotten." A  one-act  play  for  nine  boys  and 
three  girls.  Costumes  described.  Direc- 
tions given. 

First  Thanksgiving  dinner.    COG. 

A  one-act  play  for  seven  boys,  five  girls, 
and  extras.  The  setting  represents  the 
kitchen  at  Elder  Brewster's  house,  where 
the  dinner  is  being  prepared.  Costumes  de- 
scribed. Directions  given.  Plays  twenty- 
five    minutes. 

First  vi^inter.    TU,  p.  143. 

A  story  of  how  Elder  Brewster  and  Miles 
Standish  ministered  to  the  Pilgrims  in  sick- 
ness and  in  hardship. — Contents.  For  two 
boys,  one  girl,  and  two  little  children.  Very 
short. 

Fisherman  and  his  wife.    BE,  p.  291. 

A  short,  dramatic  version  of  the  tale  of 
Martin,  a  fisherman,  Ilsebel,  who  finds  "it 
is  a  weary  thing  to  be  a  fisherman's  wife." 
and  the  King  of  the  Clouds,  who  grants 
all  her  wishes  until  she  loses  all  through 
too  great  greed.  Costumes  suggested.  Di- 
rections given. 


Fisherman  and  the   genie.     SK,  p. 
196. 

A  poor  fisherman  releases  a  mighty  genie 
from  a  copper  jar,  and  then  has  to  use  all 
his  wit  to  get  the  ungrateful  spirit  back 
in  again.  Narrative  from  the  Arabian 
Nights. 

Fishing  in  dry  land.     ST,  bk.  2,  p. 
75. 

Farmer  Nix  gets  back  his  colt  from 
Farmer  Knave  by  going  fishing  in  the  dust. 
For  four  boys,  one  girl,  and  extras. 

Flight  of  the  beasts.     LAN,  p.  141. 

The  story  of  the  timid  little  hare  who 
thought  that  the  firm  and  solid  earth  was 
coming  to  an  end,  and  whose  thought  of 
fear  alarmed  all  the  other  beasts.  From 
a  Jataka  tale.     In  narrative   form. 

Flight  of  the  beasts.  See  also  Timid 
hare. 

Flight  of  the  Sim  Goddess.    DU,  p. 
301. 

Amaterasu,  Sun  Goddess,  flees  to  a  cav- 
ern, leaving  the  world  in  darkness,  when 
her  throne  is  seized  by  the  Moon  God.  By  , 
the  aid  of  a  crystal  mirror,  she  is  lured 
from  her  hiding  place  and  again  reigns 
supreme  as  Queen  of  Day.  A  legend  of 
old  Japan  written  in  verse  for  four  boys 
and  seven  girls.  Three  acts.  Contains 
songs  and  dances.  Costumes  described. 
Stage  directions. 

Flight  of  the  Sun  Goddess.    See  also 
Sun  Goddess. 

Florida,  the  flowery  land.  HX,  p.  13. 

Ponce  de  Leon  and  his  Spanish  sailors 
claim  the  land  of  flowers  for  his  Majesty, 
the  King  of  Spain.  A  very  short  little  play 
in  one  act  for  third  and  fourth  grade  chil- 
dren.    For  five  boys  and  groups  of  sailors. 

Flower  of  the  ages.    OL,  p.  63. 

This  is  the  story  of  Hope  who  was  sent 
by  Love  to  the  garden  of  earth  to  find  the 
perfect  flower  to  grow  in  the  hall  of  the 
ages.  Within  the  garden  are  many  won- 
drous flowers  but  fairer  far  than  all  is 
the  gentle  spotless  Lily.  Joyfully  Hope 
bears  this  perfect  gift  to  grow  beside  the 
Throne,  with  Faith  and  Charity  forever 
and   ever. — Program.     A   "play   of   fancy" 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


41 


in  two  acts  for  ten  girls  and  others  as 
flowers.  Costume  designs  and  simple  di- 
rections. 

Flowers  in  the  palace  garden.  OLB, 

p.  1. 

Princess  Hilda  grows  weary  of  every- 
thing in  the  Palace,  and  in  her  loneliness 
she  orders  all  the  Tulips  in  the  garden  de- 
stroyed. This  insult  to  the  Tulips  makes 
the  Fairy  Queen  very  angry  and  she 
punishes  the  Princess  by  casting  a  spell 
over  her  heart,  so  she  can  never  be  happy 
again,  and  the  story  tells  how  Gretel  the 
peasant  maid,  helps  the  sad  young  Prin- 
cess, and  how  at  midnight  in  the  Palace 
garden  surrounded  by  the  Owl  and  all  the 
beautiful  Tulips,  she  finds  her  happiness 
once  more. —  [Program.]  Two  acts.  For 
one  boy,  six  girls,  and  extras  as  flowers. 
Costumes  designs  in  color.     Directions. 

Fly  and  the  ant.    PR,  p.  39. 

Foolish  boastful  little  fly  is  called  a  thief 
by  honest  little  ant.  Very  short.  For  two 
little  children. 

Foam  maiden.  MAI,  p.  107. 

A  Celtic  folk  play  of  a  fisher  lad  who 
is  charmed  and  duped  by  a  mermaid,  and 
who  learns  "for  all  time  that  a  lad  must 
trust  to  his  own  wit,  and  his  own  right 
arm,  and  that  is  a  fortune  entirely."  One 
act.  For  one  boy  and  two  girls.  Costumes 
described.  Directions  given.  Plays  twenty 
minutes. 

Foolish  flies.  DO.  p.  31. 

One  after  another  the  flies  lose  their  lives 
to  their  enemies.     For  seven  parts. 

Foolish  Jack.    BE,  p.  193. 

A  very  short  dialogue  between  Foolish 
Jack  and  his  mother,  in  which  Jack's  amus- 
ing and  amazing  stupidity  is  shown.  Cos- 
tumes suggested. 

Forest  full  of  friends.    SK,  p.  124. 

Little  Elsa  brings  five  friends  of  the 
forest  to  introduce  her  to  the  king.  Nar- 
rative from  R.  M.  Alden. 

Forest  of  Every  Day.     BW,  p.  77. 

A  naughty  little  princess  has  a  dream  in 
which  she  finds  herself  in  the  Forest  of 
Every  Day,  in  quest  of  Happiness.  Many 
adventures  come  her  way,  strange  folk 
make  her  acquaintance,  and  when  she 
awakens,   the   memory   of   her   experiences 


helps  to  make  her  a  wiser  and  better  little 
girl. — Story  of  the  Play.  A  morality  play. 
For  five  boys  and  seven  girls,  or  the 
parts  may  all  be  assumed  by  girls  if  de- 
sired. Suggestions  for  costumes  and  sim- 
ple stage  directions  given.  Plays  about 
twenty-five   minqtes. 

Forest  princess.     MAD. 

"The  princess  with  the  moon  shall 

wax  and  wane. 
Young    in    the    moon's    full    glow, 

but  when  'tis  spent, 
A     withered     creature,     haggard, 

wrinkled,  bent." 

This  curse  of  the  vengeful  Swamp  Oak 
saddens  the  christening  of  the  princess, 
upon  whom  the  Tree  Spirits  have  be- 
stowed their  highest  gifts.  Eighteen  years 
later  Prince  Aladore  proves  that  a  stead- 
fast heart  is  stronger  than  a  witch's  art. 
His  kiss  upon  the  lips  of  a  worn  old  woman 
breaks  the  spell  and  changes  the  bent  old 
creature  into  the  lovely  Forest  princess.  A 
poetic  version  of  the  story  of  Little  Day- 
light. A  masque  in  three  acts  by  Con- 
stance D'Arcy  Mackay.  For  eight  older 
boys,  twenty  older  girls,  and  many  extras. 
Music  suggested.     Full  directions. 

Forest  spring.     MAI,  p.  87. 

Amata,  an  old  woman,  finds  the  spring 
of  eternal  life,  but  learns  that  better  is 
"a  draught  from  our  village  well  than  any 
fabled  fountain."  An  Italian  folk  play  in 
one  act  for  one  boy  and  three  girls.  Set- 
ting and  costumes  described.  Directions 
given. 

Fortunatus  and  Cassandra.     SO,  p. 
49. 

Fortunatus  turns  the  wheel  of  Fortune 
and  gains  the  purse  that  is  never  empty. 
Three  acts.  For  three  boys,  three  girls,  and 
extras.  Colored  illustrations  suggest  cos- 
tumes. Simple  directions.  Plays  forty-five 
minutes. 

Fountain  of  youth.    MAH,  p.  31. 

"In  the  new  Americas 
Bubbled  a  fountain  crystal  clear,  whose 

taste 
Was  nectar  of  the  gods ;  and,  like  the 

gods, 
Whoso  should  taste  of  it  should  ne'er 
grow  old." 
An  historical  pageant-play  in  one  act  for 
two  boys,  three  girls,  and  extras.     Music 
suggested.     Directions  given. 


42 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Four  queens  of  England.     LUA,  p. 

251. 

A  short  exercise  including  prologues  and 
epilogues  in  prose  and  verse,  and  short 
autobiographic  speeches  made  by  the  Queens 
Elizabeth,  Mary,  Anne,  and  Victoria. 

Fourth  of  July.    JO,  p.  165. 

A  little  boy  shouts  to  the  old  bell  ringer 
that  the  Declaration  of  Independence  is 
signed,  and  the  old  man  rings  the  Liberty 
Bell  to  tell  the  people  the  glad  news.  For 
four  little  boys. 

Fox  and  the  crow.    JO,  p.  89. 

Sly  fox  persuades  Mrs.  Crow  to  sing  him 
a  song,  and  so  he  gets  the  piece  of  cheese 
which  she  has  in  her  beak.  For  two  little 
children. 

Fox  and  the  crow.    PR,  p.  5. 

The  same  story  arranged  for  two  little 
children. 

Fox  and  the  crow.  SKB,  p.  40. 

A  very  short  version  for  two  little  chil- 
dren. 

Fox  and  the  crow.     See  also  Crow 
and  the  fox. 

Fox  and  the  lion.     PR,  p.  8. 

Mr.  Lion  is  so  surprised  by  the  boldness 
of  the  fox  that  he  turns  away  instead  of 
springing  at  him.  Three  tiny  acts  for  two 
little  children. 

Fox  and  the  stork.  PR,  p.  25. 

A  fox  who  invites  Mrs.  Stork  to  eat  soup 
from  a  flat  plate  finds  that  when  he  is  her 
guest  the  soup  is  served  in  jars — and  so 
they  are  even.  Two  little  acts  for  two  little 
children. 

Fox's  plan.     SKB,  p.  114. 

How  a  fox  gets  the  better  of  a  tiger  and 
a  hunter.    For  three  little  children. 

Friend  in  need.     SA,  p.  207. 

How  Samuel  Johnson  helped  Oliver 
Goldsmith  to  pay  his  debts  by  finding  a 
publisher  for  the  Vicar  of  Wakefield.  A 
one-act  play  for  three  boys  and  two  girls. 
Costumes  suggested  through  illustrations. 
Directions  given. 

Friendly  waiter.     BRO,  p.  119. 

William,  a  waiter  at  an  inn  at  Yarmouth, 
eats   the   greater   part   of    David's   dinner. 


One  scene  from  David  Copperfield,  for  two 
boys.  Costume  illustration.  Full  directions. 
Plays  twelve  minutes. 

Friendship  declined.     SKB,  p.  77. 

A  little  poem  arranged  for  two  parts. 

Frog  fairy.    HA,  p.  1. 

How  a  common  soldier  saves  his  head 
and  wins  a  princess  by  solving  the  strange 
riddle  of  how  the  princesses  dance  their 
shoes  to  pieces  every  night.  A  play  in  three 
acts  for  four  boys  and  four  girls.  Direc- 
tions. 

Frozen  palace.    BUB,  p.  99. 

Prince  Sunlight  saves  the  Princess  Au- 
rora and  the  royal  household  who  have 
been  turned  into  ice  by  the  wicked  Fairy 
Frost.  One  act.  For  six  boys,  three  girls, 
and  extras.  Several  dances.  Directions  for 
costumes  and  setting. 

Gainsborough  lady.    MED,  p.  81. 

A  Gainsborough  lady  in  a  picture  comes 
to  life  and  recalls  to  her  husband,  a  Gains- 
borough gentleman,  their  life  of  a  century 
ago.     Directions. 

Galeotti's  escape  from  death.    LAS, 

p.  86. 

Galeotti's  visit  to  King  Louis  XI  in  a 
dungeon  in  Peronne  dramatized  from 
Scott's  Quentin  Durward.  Two  scenes  for 
four  boys.     Simple  directions. 

Gareth  and  Lynette.  SI,  fourth  year, 

p.  37. 

Four  scenes  from  Tennyson's  Idylls  of 
the  King  arranged  for  High  School  use. 
For  six  boys,  three  girls  and  extras. 

Gentleman  next  door.     BRO,  p.  35. 

Mrs.  Nickleby  receives  her  famous  pro- 
posal of  marriage  from  the  Old  Gentleman 
in  the  Small-Clothes  who  lives  next  door. 
One  scene  from  Nicholas  Nickleby  for  one 
boy  and  two  girls.  Costume  illustration. 
Directions  given.    Plays  twenty  minutes. 

A  slightly  different  version  is  given  in 
Scenes  from  Dickens  by  G.  Pertwee,  under 
the  title  of  Mrs.  Nickleby  and  the  Gentle- 
man Next  Door. 

Gentlemen  of  Virginia.    TU,  p.  28. 

A  story  of  the  first  English  settlement  in 
America. — Contents.  For  four  boys.   Short. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


43 


Geographical  squabble.  LUA,  p.  227.     Gift  of  the  fairies.    SYR,  p.  97. 


"The  case  to  be  tried  is  one  of  libel 
brought  by  the  country  of  Brazil  against 
the  country  of  Argentina.  The  latter  has 
stated  that  it  is  the  more  important  coun- 
try." Characters  are  Judge,  the  United 
States ;  Jurors,  twelve  South  and  Central 
American  countries ;  Plaintiff,  Brazil ;  De- 
fendant, Argentina ;  Witness,  West  Indies ; 
Court  Crier,  Wind.     Short. 

George  Rogers  Clark.    BI,  p.  54. 

Clark  secures  the  aid  of  Patrick  Henry, 
governor  of  Virginia,  and  captures  the 
British  strongholds  in  the  Ohio  region. 
Five  scenes  for  tvirenty-three  boys  and  ex- 
tras, though  parts  may  be  doubled. 

George  Washington.     WX. 

Nine  acts  in  chronological  order  from 
the  life  of  Washington.  For  fourteen  or 
more  boys,  three  or  more  girls,  and  extras. 
More  practical  for  school-room  use  than 
for  actual  dramatization. 

George  Washington  and  the  cherry 
tree.    JO,  p.  82. 

The  well-known  tale  of  the  boy  who  could 
not  tell  a  lie  arranged  for  three  little  boys. 

George        Washington's        fortune. 
MAG,  p.  46. 

Red  Rowan,  a  woodsman's  daughter, 
tells  the  young  surveyor  that  he  is  to  fight 
in  a  great  cause — that  it  will  be  "a  long 
hill  and  a  hard,  and  at  the  summit,  tri- 
umph." A  one-act  play  for  five  boys  and 
one  girl.  Full  directions.  Plays  twenty 
minutes. 

Giant  picture-book.     S,  p.  72. 

A  new  style  of  tableaux  vivants. — Title. 
Contains  three  series :  Cinderella,  Jack  and 
the  Beanstalk,  and  Beauty  and  the  Beast. 
Detailed  description  and  directions  for  pro- 
duction, setting  and  costumes. 

Gift  of  Aphrodite.    DU,  p.  179. 

In  answer  to  the  petition  of  the  sculptor 
Pygmalion  the  goddess  of  love  and  beauty 
wakens  Galatea,  a  statue,  from  her  marble 
sleep.  A  three-act  play  in  verse  for  three 
boys  and  two  girls.  Costumes  suggested. 
Contains  two  Invocations  to  Aphrodite  and 
music  to  be  played  during  the  awakening  of 
Galatea.    Directions  given.    ^ 


Otto,  a  clockmaker's  son,  woos  and  wins 
a  princess  and  in  so  doing  learns  that  the 
World  of  Dreams  lies  ever  round  the 
World  of  Every  Day.  Four  acts.  For  two 
older  boys  and  four  older  girls.  Costumes 
and  setting  suggested.    Directions  given. 

Gift  of  time.     MAD,  p.  51. 

"Through  joy  and  stress, 
Sunshine  and  shadow,  on  the  Christmas  tree 
Of  all  the  world  one  gift  hangs  equally 
For  rich  and  poor." 

A  Christmas  masque  for  Time,  The  Past, 
The  Present,  The  Future,  The  Hours, 
Father  Christmas,  a  Mortal,  The  Months, 
the  Old  and  the  New  Year.  Costumes  de- 
scribed. Music  suggested.  For  older  boys 
and  girls. 

Gifts  we  bring.   ,LX. 

A  Christmas  pageant  for  boys  and  girls 
or  for  grown-ups  written  for  community 
Christmas  celebrations  for  the  purpose  of 
helping  to  spread  the  Christmas  spirit.  Pro- 
logue and  two  Episodes  for  from  fifty  to 
two  hundred  or  four  hundred  persons.  Cos- 
tume illustrations.  Music  lists.  Directions 
for  dances.  Time:  One  hour  and  fifteen 
minutes. 

Giles   Corey   of   the   Salem   Farms. 
KN,  p.  181. 

A  story  of  the  days  of  witchcraft,  when 
Giles  Corey  and  Martha,  his  wife,  are  sum- 
moned to  the  meeting  house  to  be  tried  be- 
fore their  friends  and  neighbors.  Two 
scenes  from  Longfellow's  play  for  four 
boys  and  two  girls. 

Gingerbread  man.    HOA,  p.  170. 

Shouting  "You  can't  catch  me,  I'm  a 
gingerbread  man,"  the  little  fellow  runs 
away  from  everyone  until  he  meets  a  fox 
who  makes  a  meal  of  him.  For  seven  or 
more  parts. 

Girl  who  trod  on  the  loaf.     ST,  bk. 
3,  p.  36. 

Selfish  Inge  is  changed  by  a  wicked  elf 
into  a  sparrow,  and  becomes  a  little  girl 
again  only  when  she  has  learned  her  les- 
son of  obedience  and  kindness.  For  thir- 
teen children. 

Glad  New  Year.    DO,  p.  151. 

Poem  by  Mary  Mapes  Dodge. 


44 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Gnat  and  the  bee.    PR,  p.  44. 

A  bee  thinks  that  the  bee  children  had 
better  stick  to  their  own  trade  of  honey 
making  rather  than  to  learn  sawing  and 
singing  from  a  gnat.  Very  short.  For 
two  little  children. 

Goats  in  the  turnip  field.  BRY,  p.  29. 

A  silly  little  bee  gets  the  goats  out  when 
everyone  else  fails.    For  five  little  children. 

Goblin  and  the  huckster's  jam.    ST, 

bk.  4,  p.  6. 

A  little  goblin  cannot  decide  to  leave  the 
huckster  and  his  jam  for  the  student  and 
his  book.    Two  scenes  for  seven  children. 

Goblin  stone.    WIC,  p.  125. 

"Goblin  dance  and  witch's  spell, 
Hallowe'en!    Hallowe'en! 
Ghost  and  spook  and  hooting  owl, 
Nothing  else  is  seen !" 
Jack-o-Lantern    tells    Billy    and    Eleanor 
how  to  break  the  spell  of  the  goblin  circle 
on  the  moor  and  reach  home  again.    Three 
scenes.     For  four  boys,  two  girls,  and  ex- 
tras as  goblins,  sprites  and  will-o'-the  wisps. 
Suggestions  for  staging  and  costumes. 

Gold-bug.     KN,  p.  105. 

Edgar  Allan  Foe's  mystery  tale  of  buried 
treasure  arranged  in  five  scenes  for  three 
boys. 

Gold  in  California.    HX,  p.  131. 

How  the  first  gold  was  discovered  in 
California  and  how  the  gold  rush  of  '49 
began.  Short  one-act  play  for  four  boys. 
For  third  or  fourth  grade. 

Golden  age.     See  Roman  road. 

Golden  apple.    GR. 

The  adventures  of  Rury,  the  King  of 
Ireland's  son,  who  goes  in  search  of  the 
golden  apple  in  the  Garden  at  the  World's 
end  to  cure  his  father  of  a  dreadful  dis- 
ease. The  play  is  too  difficult  to  be  acted 
by  children  under  sixteen,  but  it  is  easily 
within  the  appreciation  of  children  twelve 
years  old.  Can  be  read  aloud  with  much 
pleasure  both  to  young  and  old.  Three  acts. 
For  eight  boys  and  four  girls,  besides  serv- 
ants and  guards.  Illustrations  suggest  cos- 
tumes.    Stage  requirements  simple. 

Golden  birds.    SH. 

The  King  and  Queen  of  the  West,  with 
Prince  Dorigen,  and  the  King  and  Queen 


of  the  East,  with  the  Princess  Allocen, 
visit  Quirmagill,  the  fairy  of  the  woods, 
and  beg  her  to  give  to  each  Kingdom  one 
of  the  little  birds  which  are  possessed  of 
the  marvelous  faculty  of  bringing  happi- 
ness to  sad  hearts.  In  the  Eastern  King- 
dom the  bird  is  given  its  freedom,  while  in 
the  West  the  little  creature  dies  in  its 
bejeweled  cage,  making  plain  the  truth  that 
happiness  is  a  treasure  which  can  be  kept 
only  so  long  as  it  is  given  away.  A  fairy 
play  in  three  acts,  for  four  boys  and  four 
girls  and  many  extras.    Directions  given. 

Golden  bucket.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  22. 

A  boy's  kind  heart  wins  for  him  a  fairy 
bucket.  For  two  little  boys  and  one  little 
girl.    Very  short. 

Golden  goose.     BE,  p.  199. 

"The  golden  goose  !  the  golden  goose  ! 
Is  a  precious  bird  indeed ! 
A  fowl  that  can  be  of  the  greatest  use 
To  a  woodcutter  in  his  need. 

3f£  3|£  !)C  IfC  3|C 

Sing  o,  ho,  ho,  the  Goose  of  Gold ! 
Who  brings  to  the  mannerly  wealth  un- 
told !" 
A  version  of  the  old  story  in  four  scenes. 
Characters  are  a  woodcutter,  his  wife,  their 
sons,  Tom  and  Jack,  and  the  Little  Grey 
Man.     Costumes  suggested. 

Golden  goose.    N,  p.  81. 

In  this  version  the  boy  with  the  goose  is 
discovered  to  be  the  long  lost  Prince  Hila- 
rion.  Three  scenes  for  four  boys,  nine  girls 
and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

Golden  goose.    See  also  Swan,  hold 
fast. 

Golden  star.    PAB,  p.  43. 

The  spirit  of  the  Golden  Star  on  the 
service  flag  of  the  Homeland  comes  from 
Heroes'  Land  to  bid  our  citizens  be  steady, 
staunch  and  true.  A  pageant-play  for  many 
characters.  Songs  and  dances.  Simple  di- 
rections. 

Golden  touch.     Do.  p.  139. 

King  Midas  wishes  that  everything  that 
he  may  touch  will  turn  to  gold.  But  when 
his  wish  is  granted  he  is  most  miserable, 
for  he  has  lost  all  he  really  cared  for.  A 
very  simple  arrangement  from  Hawthorne's 
story  for  one  boy  and  two  girls. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


45 


Golden  touch.    MA,  p.  40. 

A  two-act  play  arranged  from  Haw- 
thorne's story  for  two  boys  and  one  girl. 

Golden  touch.  See  also  King  Midas; 
Midas  and  Bacchus. 

Goldilocks,    or    The    three     bears. 
HOA,  p.  16. 

How  little  Goldilocks  and  her  dollie  visit 
a  funny  little  house  in  which  live  three 
bears.  Two  short  scenes  for  five  little 
children. 

Goldilocks  and  the  three  bears.  SMI, 
p.  155. 

A  pantomime  for  three  boys  and  one  girl 
arranged  in  nine  scenes  from  the  old  story. 

Goldilocks.    See  also  Three  bears. 

Good  fairy.    HOA,  p.  178. 

Thanks  to  her  pure  heart  and  the  aid  of 
the  fair  Sabrina,  the  Lady  Alice  comes 
safely  through  Comus,  the  enchanter's 
wood.  Arranged  in  three  scenes  for  four 
boys  and  three  girls. 

Good  fairy.    See  also  Comus. 

Good  housewife  and  her  labors.  CX. 

Irish  folk  lore  has  contributed  a  merry 
tale  about  a  thrifty  housewife  who  never 
wasted  a  minute.  She  was  foolish  enough 
to  wish  aloud  that  she  had  someone  to 
help  her  in  her  work  and  that  gave  the 
wee  folks  their  chance.  They  swarmed 
in,  took  possession  of  the  house,  did  so 
much  work  and  made  so  much  noise  that 
she  was  nearly  distracted  and  managed  to 
get  rid  of  them  by  a  clever  trick  just  in 
the  nick  of  time  to  arouse  her  husband 
from  the  enchanted  sleep  into  which  he  was 
falling. — Contents.  One  act.  For  three 
characters  besides  a  group  of  fairies.  Illus- 
trations of  costumes  and  setting.  Property 
list  and  stage  directions.  Plays  twenty-five 
minutes. 

Good  King  Arthur.    RI,  p.  71. 

"In  me  you  see  that  piteous  thing, 
A  weary  and  a  hungry  king." 

A  little  operetta  in  three  short  scenes  to 
be  sung  to  familiar  tunes.  For  two  boys, 
one  girl,  and  extras. 


Good  queen.    MAB,  second  series. 

"When  this  old  England,  old  England 
was  young, 

In  Maytime !" 

History  with  her  wand  calls  up  visions  of 
Queen  Victoria  and  the  Empire  for  a  boy 
and  girl  who  have  fallen  asleep  over  their 
books.  A  masque  for  the  24th  of  May  for 
twenty-seven  characters  and  many  extras. 
Costume  illustrations.     Full  directions. 

Good  Thanksgiving.  SK,  p.  32 ;  WI, 
p.  32. 

Poem  by  Marian  Douglas. 

Goody    Grumble's    cottage.      OLA, 

p.  1. 

Goody  Grumble  dwelt,  friendless,  sad, 
and  old,  in  her  Cottage  of  Discontent,  with 
her  evil  little  maid  Wry  Face.  But  one 
morning  into  the  gloomy  room  stole  the 
golden  Sunshine  and  with  her  came  The 
Red  Cross  Maid  and  behold !  their  joyful- 
ness  and  strength  turn  the  miserable  home 
into  the  House  of  Cheer. — Program.  "A 
play  of  the  Red  Cross"  in  one  act  for  four 
girls.  Costume  designs  and  simple  direc- 
tions. 

Goose  girl.     N,  p.  125. 

The  princess  Dulcibella  is  sent  packing 
by  the  king,  and  is  cared  for  by  her  fairy 
godmother,  who  sets  her  to  mind  the  geese. 
Here  she  is  found  by  the  prince.  Five 
scenes  for  two  boys,  six  girls,  and  twelve 
extras  to  take  the  part  of  geese.  Direc- 
tions. 

Gooseherd  and  the  goblin.     MAE, 
p.  35. 

"To  be  myself  and  none  other;  to  make 
the  most  of  what  I  have  and  never  sigh  for 
what  I  have  not — that  is  fairy  wisdom." 
Conrad  the  Gooseherd,  learns  content- 
ment with  the  help  of  the  goblin  Peterkin. 
One  act.  For  four  boys  and  four  girls. 
Directions  given  for  costumes  and  for  pro- 
duction either  indoors  or  out-of-doors. 
Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Gorgon's  head.    MA,  p.  9. 

How  Perseus,  aided  by  Quicksilver,  cut 
off  the  head  of  the  Gorgon  Medusa,  and 
bore  it  to  King  Polydectes's  court.  Ar- 
ranged in  three  acts  from  Hawthorne's 
story  for  four  boys,  seven  girls,  and  extras. 


46 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Gorgon's   head.      See   also    Perseus 
and  Medusa. 

Graduation  of  Anychild.  PAC,  p.  85. 

A  little  play  for  graduation  day  in  which 
Alma  Mater  and  her  helpers  give  Anychild 
a  chance  to  choose  between  Indolence  and 
Industry.  For  nineteen  girls  and  the  whole 
school.     Simple  directions. 

Grammar  play.     LUA,  p.  233. 

Calls  for  eleven  single  characters  repre- 
senting marks  of  punctuation  and  parts  of 
speech,  and  six  groups  of  children  as  other 
parts  of  speech.  A  very  short  exercise  for 
a  class  beginning  the  study  of  English 
grammar. 

Grandmother  Cupid.     OL,  p.  27. 

Betty  and  Richard,  forgetting  the  day  of 
their  happy  betrothal,  vow  that  they  will 
see  each  other  no  more !  But  on  St.  Valen- 
tine's Day  Mistress  Fairfax  with  the  help 
of  Cupid  as  her  messenger,  brings  happi- 
ness again  to  those  wilful  children. — Pro- 
gram. A  "play  of  romance"  in  two  short 
acts  for  one  boy  and  two  girls.  Costume 
designs  and   simple  directions. 

Grasshoppers  and  the  ants.     CR,  p. 
97. 
Our  great  folly  we  repent  us — 
Now  our  punishment  is  sent  us ! 
Ah,  too  late  !  Too  late,  ah  !    What  shall 
we  do?" 
An    Aesop's    fable    play    about    the    wise 
ants  and  foolish  grasshoppers.    In  two  acts 
for  nine  characters,  boys  or  girls,  and  ex- 
tras.    Directions.     Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Gray  doves'  answer.    WI,  p.  39. 

Poem  by  Fred  E.  Weatherly.  For  pri- 
mary grades. 

Great  Charter.     GOA,  bk.  2,  p.  19. 

How  the  people  of  England,  under  the 
leadership  of  Stephen  Langton,  forced  King 
John  to  sign  the  Great  Charter.  Four 
scenes.    For  twenty  or  more  boys  and  class. 

Great  Elizabethan  age.    GOA,  bk.  3, 
p.  50. 

A  picture  of  a  brilliant  reception  by 
Queen  Elizabeth  at  Kenilworth  Castle  in 
1574  is  followed  by  two  scenes  showing  her 
later  years  when  loneliness  and  ill-tem- 
per embitter  her  and  gloom  overshadows 
her  court.     Three  scenes.     For  ten  boys, 


four   girls   and   many   extras.     For   class- 
room use. 

Great  general's  lesson  to  the  little 
corporal.     HX,  p.  89. 

An  army  camp  scene  during  the  Revolu- 
tion, which  shows  Washington's  kindness 
of  heart  and  regard  for  his  soldiers.  Short 
play  in  one  act  for  two  boys  and  a  group 
of  soldiers.  For  third  and  fourth  grade 
children. 

Great  Protestant  Association.  BRO, 
p.  70. 

The  aflfairs  of  the  organization  are  dis- 
cussed by  Lord  George  Gordan,  the  Presi- 
dent; Gashford,  his  secretary;  Dennis,  the 
hangman ;  and  Hugh,  an  hostler  at  the 
Maypole  Inn.  One  scene.  From  Barnaby 
Rudge.  For  four  boys.  Costume  illustra- 
tions.  Full  directions.  Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Greatest  gift.  CR,  p.  107. 

The  story  of  the  coming  of  spring  in 
allegorical  form  for  younger  children.  Cast 
composed  of  Mother  of  life,  the  Four 
Winds,  the  three  Seedlings,  the  Winter 
Mists  and  Qouds,  the  Little  Rivers  and  the 
Little  Wild  Creatures.     Full  directions. 

Greatest  gift.    LO,  p.  7. 

How  a  happy  Christmas  came  to  the  four 
little  Hawleys  and  their  mother  in  their 
bare  tenement  home.  Two  scenes,  For 
six  boys,  six  girls  and  extras  for  Christ- 
mas tableaux.  References  to  carols  to  be 
sung.     Directions. 

Gypsy  girl  of  Hungary.     DU,  p.  57. 

Starlina,  a  gypsy  girl,  turns  her  back  on 
a  proud  home,  jewels  and  rich  attire,  to  re- 
turn to  the  charm  of  the  old  gypsy  life.  A 
four-act  play  written  in  verse.  For  two 
older  boys  and  three  older  girls.  Setting 
and  costumes  suggested.  Several  authentic 
gypsy  songs. 

Half-chick.    BRY,  p.  74. 

Half-chick,  who  found  it  too  dull  at 
home,  is  carried  by  the  wind  to  a  tall  steeple 
where  he  must  stand  forever  to  tell  people 
which  way  the  wind  blows.  For  six  little 
children. 

Half-chick.     See    also    Little    Half- 
chick. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


47 


Handful  of  clay.    LUA,  p.  95. 

A  pantomime  arranged  from  Henry  Van 
Dyke's  story  of  the  common  clay  which 
dreamed  of  the  great  place  it  was  to  fill  in 
the  world  when  the  time  came  for  its  vir- 
tues to  be  discovered.  For  four  speakers, 
and  one  actor,  a  girl.     Full  directions. 

Hans  and  Gretchen.     SKB,  p.  41. 

Little  Gretchen  is  never  satisfied  when 
the  red  fox  grants  her  wishes,  but  always 
wants  something  better.  Finally  she  asks 
for  the  moon  for  a  plaything,  and  so  loses 
all  she  has.  Nine  short  scenes  for  three 
little  children. 

Hans,  the  shepherd  boy.    LA,  p.  7. 

Hans  will  not  leave  his  master's  sheep 
to  guide  a  hunter  to  the  nearest  town.  But 
the  hunter  turns  out  to  be  a  prince,  who 
promises  to  reward  him  for  his  faithfulness. 
In  narrative  form  with  helps  for  dramati- 
zation. 

Hans,  the  shepherd  boy.    SK,  p.  58. 

Another  version  of  the  same  story  in 
narrative  form. 

Hansel  and  Gretel.    HOA,  p.  107. 

The  old  witch  of  the  mountain  captures 
Hansel  and  Gretel,  who  in  turn  overcome 
her  and  free  the  gingerbread  children  who 
are  under  her  spell.  Three  short  scenes  for 
three  little  boys,  three  little  girls,  and  ex- 
tras. 

Hansel  and  Gretel.    MAL. 

With  some  new  features,  adapted  from 
Humperdinck's  opera  by  J.  M.  McLaren 
and  E.  M.  Harvey.  In  three  acts.  For 
three  boys,  three  girls,  and  any  number  of 
gingerbread  children,  angels  and  playmates. 
Full  directions.  Photographs  of  real  chil- 
dren in  their  parts.  Music  for  songs  given. 
Dances  suggested.  May  also  be  presented 
out-of-doors. 

Hansel  and  Gretel.    NI,  p.  45. 

A  simple  arrangement  of  the  familiar 
story  for  second  grade  children.  For  three 
girls  and  two  boys. 

Happy  beggar.    SX,  p.  39. 

A  king  who  imagines  himself  sick  is  told 
by  a  wise  man  that  his  Majesty  will  be  well 
if  he  sleeps  one  night  in  the  shirt  of  a 
happy  man.  The  wise  man  finds  a  beggar 
who  says  he  is  perfectly  happy.  The  beggar 


is  brought  before  the  king.  When  his  Ma- 
jesty offers  money  for  the  privilege  of 
wearing  for  one  night  the  beggar's  shirt, 
the  beggar  laughingly  declares  he  has  no 
shirt  to  his  back.  The  king  turns  to  the 
wise  man  and  says,  "Thou  hast  taught  the 
king  a  lesson  he  is  not  likely  to  forget." — 
Plot  of  the  play. 

Adapted  from  John  Hay's  poem,  The  En- 
chanted Shirt.  For  seven  boys,  two  girls, 
and  attendants.     Simple  suggestions. 

Hardships  at  Valley  Forge.  PAB, 
p.  121. 

A  short  scene  picturing  the  loyalty  of  the 
soldiers  who  stuck  by  General  Washing- 
ton during  the  dreadful  winter  of  1777.  For 
four  boys.    Simple  directions. 

Hare  and  the  hedgehog.    DO,  p.  33. 

Mr.  Hedgehog,  "short  on  legs,  but  long 
on  wits,"  gets  the  better  of  Mr.  Hare.  For 
three  parts. 

Hare  and  the  hedgehog.    ST,  bk.  2, 

p.  69. 

Another  arrangement  of  the  same  story 
for  three  little  children. 

Hare  and  the  hedgehog.    WI,  p.  41. 

For  three  parts. 

Hare  and  the  hedgehog.  See  also 
Race  of  the  hare  and  the  hedge- 
hog. 

Hare  and  the  tortoise.     ST,  bk.   1, 

p.  5. 

The  hare  takes  a  nap  and  the  tortoise 
wins  the  race.  For  two  little  children  and 
class.    Very  short. 

Hare  and  the  tortoise.  See  also  Tor- 
toise and  the  hare. 

Hare  with  many  friends.    DO,  p.  25. 

A  little  hare  learns  to  depend  on  himself 
instead  of  on  his  friends.    For  eight  parts. 

Harmosan.    LA,  p.  198. 

Poem  by  Richard  Chenevix  Trench,  with 
suggestions  for  dramatization  by  three  boys. 

Harold.    GO  A,  bk.  1,  p.  56. 

The  Saxons  hear  of  the  death  of  Edward 
the  Confessor,  and  discuss  the  claims  of 
Harold  and  William,  Duke  of  Normandy, 
to  succeed  him.  One  short  scene  for  eleven 
parts  and  many  extras.  For  class-room  use. 


48 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Hatching  a  conspiracy.    BRO,  p.  63. 

Miggs  discovers  the  secret  of  Simon  Tap- 
pertit,  Gabriel  Varden's  appearance.  One 
scene  from  Barnaby  Rudge.  For  one  boy 
and  one  girl.  Costume  illustration.  Full 
directions.     Plays  fifteen  minutes. 

Hats  off,  A  motion  picture  dramati- 
zation of.    F,  p.  165. 

An  arrangement  for  class  use  of  Henry 
Holcomb  Bennett's  poem  as  it  "would  look 
if  it  were  shown  in  pictures  instead  of 
written  out." 

Hawthorne  pageant.     MAG,  p.  175. 

Scenes  of  witchcraft  days  in  Salem  and 
of  royalist  revels  at  Merrymount — pictures 
of 

"Strange  folk  who  trod  the  bleak  New 

England  Shores, 
Tithingmen,    Sachems,    Witches,    Saga- 
mores, 
Puritans,     Soldiers,     Scholars,     Quaker 

maids. 
Royalists    splendid    in    their    rich    bro- 
cades." 
Prologue,  two  episodes  which  are  listed 
separately,  and  an  Interlude.     For  fifty  or 
more  characters.     Full  directions. 

Hawthorne    pageant.      See    also    In 
witchcraft  days;  Merrymount. 

Headless  horseman.    GRI. 

Ichabod  Crane,  schoolmaster  of  Sleepy 
Hollow,  runs  away  when  he  fails  to  win 
the  charming  Katrina  van  Tassel,  and  is 
pursued  by  Brom  Bones  who  plays  the  part 
of  the  Headless  Horseman.  Arranged  in 
two  scenes  from  Irving's  Legend  of  Sleepy 
Hollow.  For  three  boys,  one  girl,  and  ex- 
tras. Costumes  suggested.  Simple  direc- 
tions.    Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Healing  spring.    WO,  Jan.  1915. 

An  Ojibway  maiden,  "Mah-Kah-Wee,  set 
out  to  find  the  Healing  Spring,  whose  magic 
waters  were  to  bring  peace  and  friendship 
to  the  warring  tribes,  and  health  to  her 
betrothed,  the  chieftain."  From  an  Indian 
legend.  Music  suggested.  Originally  pre- 
sented by  Nipsic  Camp  Fire  Girls  of  Glas- 
tonbury, Connecticut.  For  two  boys,  eight 
girls,  and  extras.  Indian  costumes.  Good 
for  a  peace  celebration. 


Health,  wealth  and  happiness.  BUB, 
p.  75. 

Health  and  Wealth  alone  make  a  dull 
Christmas  for  Ronald  and  Peggy.  A  year 
later.  Happiness  comes  to  stay  with  them, 
and  this  Christmas  is  the  best  of  all.  Three 
scenes.  For  six  boys  and  eight  girls.  Full 
directions. 

Heart  of  Pierrot.     DR,  Feb.,  1920, 

p.  200. 

Pierrot,  who  goes  to  the  school  where 
little  clowns  learn  to  be  funny,  is  praised 
by  the  very,  very  old  Clown  of  the  clowns, 
who  promises  him  a  bag  full  of  laughter, 
which  is,  after  all,  just  the  heart  of  Pierrot. 
A  one-act  play  by  Margretta  Scott.  Ten 
characters.    Simple  directions. 

Hedgehog.    LAN,  p.  27 ;  WI,  p.  46. 

Poem  by  Kate  Greenaway. 

Henry  VIII.    GOA,  bk.  3,  p.  24. 

Three  short  scenes  depicting  the  meet- 
ing at  the  Field  of  the  Cloth  of  Gold,  Car- 
dinal Wolsey's  retreat  to  Leicester  Abbey, 
and  a  Midland  village  where  the  doings  of 
the  monarch  form  food  for  eager  gossip 
and  comment.  For  twenty-one  boys  and 
extras.    Three  scenes  for  class-room  use. 

Henry  Esmond.     SI,  fourth  year,  p. 

58. 

Two  scenes  arranged  for  High  School 
use  from  Thackeray :  Esmond's  return 
from  the  wars ;  and  The  making  of  Addi- 
son's poem,  The  campaign.  For  five  boys 
and  four  girls. 

Henry  Hudson.    BI,  p.  117. 

The  great  navigator  visits  an  Indian  en- 
campment on  what  is  now  Hudson  river, 
to  take  possession  of  the  land,  and  in  the 
second  scene  is  deserted  in  what  is  now 
Hudson  Bay  by  all  except  his  son  and  the 
ship's  carpenter.  Two  scenes  for  ten  boys, 
one  girl  and  extras. 

Henry  Hudson.     ST,  bk.  4,  p.  116. 

A  dramatization  of  the  same  events  with 
an  additional  first  scene  in  the  offices  of  the 
Dutch  East  India  Company  when  the  di- 
rectors decide  to  have  Hudson  sail  for  them 
to  find  a  passage  to  India.  Three  scenes 
for  thirteen  boys,  five  girls,  and  many  ex- 
tras. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


49 


Her  Christmas  hat.     H,  p.  201. 

A  "little  satire  on  Christmas  giving."  A 
farce  in  one  act  for  adults  or  older  chil- 
dren. For  four  older  boys  and  five  older 
girls.  Costume  illustrations.  Directions 
given.    Plays  about  forty-five  minutes. 

Hercules  and  his  mother.  SCB,  p.  97. 

Hovf  Hercules  leaves  his  mother  to  find 
the  work  that  is  waiting  for  him  in  the 
world.  Two  short  scenes  for  one  boy  and 
one  girl. 

Hercules  the  lion  killer.    SCB,  p.  77. 

How  Hercules  with  his  mighty  arms 
crushed  the  lion  which  was  ruining  the 
country.  Four  short  scenes  for  nine  boys 
and  two  girls. 

Hermits.    CH,  p.  76. 

"A  sylvan  comedy"  in  verse.  Three  acts. 
By  means  of  disguise  and  strategy  a  merry 
hermit  persuades  a  proud  father  to  "give 
consent  and  blessing"  to  his  daughter  and 
her  lover.  For  fifteen  older  boys,  three 
older  girls,  and  many  extras.  Includes  a 
dance.     Directions   given. 

Hiawatha:    A  pantomimed  reading. 

SC,  p.  3. 

Selection  from  Longfellow's  poem  accom- 
pany the  scenes  of  Hiawatha's  childhood; 
Hiawatha,  the  boy;  Hiawatha's  wooing; 
and  Hiawatha's  wedding  feast.  Suitable 
for  any  number  of  boys  and  girls.  Music 
for  songs  and  dances  givefi.  Full  direc- 
tions. 

Hiawatha.    SC,  p.  16. 

A  drama  in  five  acts  following  closely  the 
lines  of  the  poem.  For  nineteen  boys  and 
ten  girls,  though  some  of  the  parts  may  be 
doubled.  Music  for  three  songs  is  given, 
the  dance  music  is  suggested.  Full  direc- 
tions. 

Hiawatha   battles   with   his   father. 

SC,  p.  47. 

"Is  there  nothing  that  can  harm  you? 
Nothing  that  you  are  afraid  of?" 
Short  dramatic  scene  for  two  boys.    Di- 
rections given. 

Hiawatha's  boyhood.    NO,  p.  61. 

The  little  Hiawatha  sits  at  the  door  of 
the  wigwam  of  Nokomis  and  visits  his 
friends  in  the  woods.     A  simple  arrange- 


ment in  four  short  acts  for  eleven  speaking 
parts  and  extras.     Two  songs. 

Hiawatha's  childhood.  LUB,  v.  1, 
p.  83. 

"Ewa-yea !  my  little  owlet ! 
Who  is  this,  that  lights  the  wigwam? 
With  his  great  eyes  lights  the  wigwam? 
Ewa-yea  !  my  little  owlet !" 

The  lines  about  the  little  Hiawatha  are 
given  with  the  suggestion  that  one  child 
pantomime  the  story  as  it  is  read  aloud. 
For  school  use. 

Hiawatha.  See  also  Arrow-maker*s 
daughter;  Famine;  Passing  of 
Hiawatha ;  Song  of  Hiawatha. 

Hide-and-seek.    HAB,  p.  38. 

Chance  and  a  game  mislead  the  Round- 
head soldiers  who  are  searching  for  Sir 
Richard  Grey,  Royalist.  Scene  is  a  room 
in  a  country  house  in  England,  near  Mars- 
ton  Moor  in  1644.  For  five  boys  and  three 
girls.  Costumes  described.  Directions 
given. 

Hiding  the  regicides.    WAC,  p.  1, 

The  New  Haven  colonists  protect  the  two 
judges  who  signed  the  death  warrant  of 
Charles  I  and  later  fled  to  New  England. 
Seven  scenes.  For  thirteen  boys  and  five 
girls.  Costumes  described.  Directions 
given.  Plays  about  one  hour  and  ten  min- 
utes. 

Highway  of  the  King.    PAB,  p.  63. 

A  pageant-play  of  the  Common  Man  and 
his  forward  journey  along  the  great  High 
Road  to  find  the  King.  Civilization  helps 
him  on  his  way  until  in  the  future  Peace, 
Joy  and  Love  come  to  dwell  in  fellowship 
with  Man.  Four  episodes.  For  many 
characters.    Simple  directions. 

Hilltop  and  Hillfoot.    SMI,  p.  123. 

Fritz  and  Frida,  who  live  at  Hillfoot, 
help  the  Hilltop  children  to  find  happiness 
on  Christmas  morning.  Two  scenes.  For 
four  boys  and  three  girls.  Songs  suggested. 
Simple  directions. 

His  mother's  face.    MED,  p.  73. 

Characters  are  Jean  Antoine  Watteau  in 
his  last  hour,  a  Sister,  and  a  boy.  Group- 
ings from  Watteau's  canvases  are  supposed 
to  be  conjured  up  in  the  fancy  of  the  dying 
artist.     Directions  given.     Very  short. 


50 


PLAYS    FOR   CHILDREN 


Hole  in  the  dike.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  58.         Horatio  Sparkins.    BRO,  p.  13. 

Brave  Peter  keeps  out  the  sea  by  put- 
ting his  arm  in  the  hole  in  the  dike.  Two 
short  scenes  for  three  boys,  three  girls,  and 
extras. 

Holly-Tree  Inn.    PER,  p.  239. 

Young  Master  Harry  Walmers,  aged 
eight,  and  little  Miss  Norah  Gay,  his  sweet- 
heart, a  year  younger,  stop  at  the  Holly- 
Tree  Inn  on  their  way  to  Gretna  Green  to 
be  married.  One  scene.  From  Dickens's 
Boots  at  the  Holly-Tree  Inn.  For  three 
boys  and  two  girls.  Three  costume  plates. 
Stage  directions. 

Holy  night.    WIS,  p.  19. 

.  .  .  "The  Christ-Spirit  .  .  . 

.  .  .  through    the    lapse    of    ages,    moves 

with  steady  tread, 
Lighting  in  the  hearts  of  men  the  fire  of 

the  Soul." 

To  a  cripple  who  gives  his  crust  to  the 
pair  who  seek  shelter  in  the  shed  on  the 
night  of  the  coming  of  the  new  King  is 
given  the  power  to  see  a  series  of  visions 
showing  how  "by  Him  shall  men  struggle 
out  of  darkness  toward  the  Light."  Scene 
and  five  tableaux.  Two  spoken  parts  for 
adults  or  older  children.     Directions. 

Honest  critic.    ST,  bk.  4,  p.  15. 

Boldness  and  honesty  win  for  a  poet  his 
emperor's  praise  that  one  such  honest  critic 
is  worth  a  hundred  flattering  courtiers.  For 
eight  or  more  boys. 

Honest  woodcutter.    GO,  p.  9. 

The  story  of  the  woodcutter  who  loses 
his  ax  in  the  stream.  As  a  reward  for  his 
honesty  he  wins  a  silver  ax  and  one  of  gold 
in  addition  to  his  own.  Short  and  simple 
version  in  two  scenes  for  one  boy,  one  girl 
and  extras  as  trees  and  fairies.  Costumes, 
music  and  dances  suggested.  Photographs 
illustrate  costumes. 

Honest  woodman.    DO,  p.  1. 

The  same  tale  in  very  simple  form  for 
two  boys  and  one  girl. 

Honest  woodman.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  39. 

Another  simple  arrangement  for  two 
little  boys  and  one  little  girl. 

Honest  woodman.     See  also  Wood- 
cutter and  the  fairy. 


The  young  man  with  the  black  whiskers 
and  the  white  cravat  seems  to  be  somebody 
of  great  importance,  but  turns  out  to  be  an 
assistant  in  a  linen-draper's  shop.  Three 
scenes  from  Sketches  by  Boz,  for  six  boys 
and  three  girls.  Costume  illustration.  Full 
directions.     Plays  eighteen  minutes. 

Hour-glass.    Y. 

A  wise  man  learns  that  the  wisdom  of  a 
fool  is  greater  than  his  own.  A  play  by 
Yeats.  One  act.  For  two  older  boys,  two 
older  girls,  and  extras.    Directions  given. 

House  in  the  wood.     DO,  p.  152 

Kindness  to  dumb  animals  makes  a  wood- 
cutter's daughter  a  princess  and  frees  a 
prince  from  a  wicked  spell.  A  simple  ar- 
rangement for  nine  children. 

House  in  the  woods.    GO,  p.  31. 

The  same  story  planned  for  fifteen  chil- 
dren, but  more  may  take  part.  Music  and 
dances  suggested.  Costumes  described  and 
illustrated.     Four  short  scenes. 

House  of  brick.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  30. 

The  story  of  the  wolf  and  the  three  little 
pigs  arranged  for  four  little  children.  Short. 

House  of  Santa  Claus.    S,  p.  23. 

"A  Christmas  fairy  show,"  in  which  the 
Fairy  Queen  comes  to  the  rescue  of  Santa 
Claus  who  has  forgotten  to  leave  gifts  for 
a  Sunday  school.  For  three  boys  and  four 
girls.     Short.     Full   directions. 

House  of  the  heart.    MAE. 

"For  the  heart,  Child,  is  like  a  citadel 

Beleaguered  oft  by  foes,  within,  without. 

That  your  own  watchfulness  must  put 

to  rout." 

A  morality  play  for  twelve  boys  and  girls 

by  Constance  D'Arcy  Mackay.     Directions 

for  costume  and  setting.     Plays  one  hour. 

House    of    the    seven    gables.      See 
Keeping  shop. 

How  a  girl  hid  a  governor.    LA,  p. 

79. 

Governor  Griswold  of  Connecticut  es- 
capes from  the  king's  soldiers  by  hiding 
under  the  linen  stretched  out  on  the 
ground  to  bleach.  In  story  form,  with 
helps  for  dramatization. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


51 


How  a  prince  was  saved.    ST,  bk.  1, 

p.  7. 

A  prince  hides  in  a  cave  without  brush- 
ing away  a  spider  web  at  its  entrance.  Sol- 
diers pursuing  decide  that  therefore  he  can- 
not be  there.  For  six  or  more  little  boys. 
Very  short 

How  all  the  animals  tried  to  make 
man.    LA,  p.  3. 

When  Coyote  saw  that  all  the  other  beasts 
had  fallen  asleep,  he  destroyed  their  models 
of  man,  and  made  one  to  suit  himself.  An 
Indian  story  in  narrative  form  with  helps 
for  dramatization. 

How  Christmas  was  saved.     SA,  p. 

67. 

Santa's  heart  is  broken  when  he  hears 
children  say  they  do  not  believe  in  him.  but 
the  members  of  the  Auld  Lang  Syne  Club 
dispel  his  grief  by  citing  their  own  experi- 
ences. Two  acts.  For  eleven  boys  and  five 
girls.  Costumes  illustrated.  Directions 
given. 

How  Claus  won  the  princess.    LAN, 

p.  38. 

Clever  Claus  proves  that  the  princess 
knows  the  difference  between  truth  and 
falsehood.  From  the  Danish.  For  three 
boys  and  one  girl. 

How  England  found  her  king.    LA, 

p.  99. 

Stories  of  how  King  Arthur  pulled  the 
sword  out  of  the  stone  and  proved  himself 
the  rightwise  born  king  of  England.  Helps 
for  dramatization. 

How  Mrs.  White  Hen  helped  Rose. 
BRY,  p.  20. 

An  ugly  worm  eating  Rose's  leaves  is 
snapped  up  by  Mrs.  White  Hen.  For  eight 
little  children. 

How  Olaf  got  a  new  coat.    BRY,  p. 

43. 

The  lamb,  thorn  bush,  spider,  crab  and 
bird,  each  help  to  make  as  fine  a  coat  as 
anyone  could  wish.    For  six  little  children. 

How  the  Indian  got  fire.    LA,  p.  45. 

How  coyote,  lion,  deer,  fox  and  all  the 
other  animals  brought  fire  from  the  north. 
In  narrative  form  with  helps  for  dramatiza- 
tion. 


How  the   Indians   planted  powder. 
TU,  p.  101. 

A  story  of  colonial  days  in  Massachu- 
setts.— Contents.  For  four  boys  and  one 
girl.     Short. 

How    the    little    Smiths    got    their 
Fourth-of-July  money.    KN,  p.  17. 

Mr.  Smith  offers  a  prize  to  that  one  of 
his  children  who  will  in  the  three  weeks  be- 
fore Independence  Day  learn  the  most  about 
the  beginnings  of  the  history  of  the  United 
States.  Adapted  from  What  the  Seven  Did, 
by  Margaret  Sidney.  Three  scenes  for 
three  boys  and  two  girls. 

How  they  saved  the  fort.    ST,  bk.  4, 
p.  155. 

The  bravery  of  pioneer  women  and  girls 
at  Bryant's  Station,  Kentucky,  delays  an 
Indian  attack  until  soldiers  arrive  from 
Lexington.  Two  scenes  for  eleven  boys, 
ten  girls,  and  extras. 

How  to  get  a  breakfast.    SKB,  p.  58. 

Poem  arranged  for  four  parts. 

Humane  citizens.    PAA,  p.  209, 

A  short  play,  showing  a  young  citizen's 
duty  to  dumb  animals. — Contents.  For  two 
boys,  four  girls  and  extras.  Costumes  sug- 
gested.    Simple   directions. 

Hundred.    C,  p.  313. 

Mrs.  Darling,  a  charming  young  widow 
with  a  quick  temper,  has  dressed  a  hundred 
dolls  for  an  orphan  asylum.  On  Christmas 
Eve,  Sally,  the  kitchen-maid,  brings  a  little 
East-side  friend  to  see  the  dolls,  one  of 
which  is  accidentally  broken,  to  the  con- 
sternation of  the  household.  But  Mrs. 
Darling  is  not  the  ogress  the  servants 
believe  her,  and  Tibby  goes_  home  happy, 
with  her  arms  full  of  dollies. — Contents. 
Adapted  from  the  story  by  Gertrude  Hall. 
One  act.  For  five  women  or  older  girls, 
and  one  girl.  Notes  on  costume  and  presen- 
tation.    Plays  fifty  minutes. 

Hundred  years'  war.     GOA,  bk.  2, 

p.  49. 

Incidents  of  troublous  times  in  which 
stand  out  the  figures  of  the  Black  Prince, 
Henry  V,  and  the  Maid  of  Orleans.  Four 
scenes.  For  twenty-nine  boys,  two  girls, 
and  many  extras,  or  parts  may  be  doubled. 
For   class-room   use. 


52 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


I   would   like   you   for   a   comrade. 
SKB,  p.  132. 

Poem  by  Judge  Parry,  arranged  for  two 
parts. 

Idylls  of  the  king.    See  Gareth  and 
Lynette;  Lancelot  and  Elaine. 

Iliad.    SI,  second  year,  p.  7. 

Arranged  for  High  School  use  from 
Lang,  Leaf  and  Myers's  translation  from 
Homer.  Two  scenes :  The  appeal  of 
Chryses  and  The  quarrel.  For  nine  boys, 
three  girls,  and  extras. 

"If   Don't-Believe   is    changed   into 
Believe."    BW,  p.  139. 

The  child,  happy  in  her  own  little  world, 
which  is  peopled  by  the  characters  of  im- 
agination and  tradition,  is  suddenly  beset 
by  the  spirit  of  Don't-Believe  who  en- 
deavors to  shake  her  faith  in  these  familiar 
and  much-loved  companions.  The  spirit 
Believe  comes  to  the  rescue,  waves  her 
magic  scepter,  and  brings  to  the  very  pres- 
ence of  the  eager  child  a  long  train  of  those 
who  have  entrenched  themselves  in  her 
affection. — Story  of  the  Play.  For  twenty- 
one  boys  and  fifteen  girls.  Directions  for 
simple  costumes  and  setting.  Plays  about 
thirty  minutes. 

In  Arcady.    SYR,  p.  153. 

Dick  and  Sylvia  creep  downstairs  on 
Midsummer's  Eve  to  see  the  Watteau  shep- 
herds and  shepherdesses  in  the  drawing- 
room  cabinet  come  to  life  and  join  in  a 
midnight  dance.  For  one  boy,  one  girl,  and 
extras.     Directions.     Short. 

In  bad  company.    PR,  p.  61. 

Little  dog  Tray  is  punished  by  the  vil- 
lagers for  big  Tiger's  faults,  and  learns  that 
one  is  judged  by  the  company  he  keeps. 
Two  tiny  acts  for  four  little  children. 

In  bad  company.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  14. 

A  canary  caught  with  the  robber  black- 
birds is  punished  with  them.  For  seven  or 
more  little  children. 

In  bells  and  motley.    BUB,  p.  377. 

Great  perplexity  reigns  in  sixteenth  cen- 
tury Arcadia  because  May  day  has  come 
and  the  villagers  have  been  unable  to 
choose  a  May  queen.  In  verse.  One  act, 
for  four  boys,  one  girl,  and  extras.  In- 
cludes a  May-pole  dance.  Directions  for 
costumes  and  setting. 


In  Betsy  Rosses  time.    F,  p.  161. 

Thirteen  little  girls  representing  the  col- 
onies bring  thirteen  white  stars  for  Betsy 
Ross  to  place  on  the  flag.  A  very  short 
dialogue  followed  by  a  drill.  For  one  boy 
and  fourteen  girls. 

In  Boston,  1864.    WAC,  p.  121. 

A  short  scene  in  which  several  anecdotes 
of  Lincoln  are  related,  while  Boston  women 
and  girls  sew  and  knit  for  the  soldiers.  For 
two  boys  and  seven  girls.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

In  the  good  green  wood.    COH. 

King  Richard  dressed  as  a  Black  Friar 
visits  Sherwood  Forest.  A  Robin  Hood 
play  for  sixteen  boys  by  M.  B.  Cooke.  Di- 
rections given.     Plays  twenty  minutes. 

In  the  good  old  days.    SMI,  v.  1. 

Peregrine  and  Priscilla  Brewster,  chil- 
dren of  today,  in  a  mysterious  manner  pay 
a  visit  to  Great-great  Uncle  Ezra  and 
Great-great  Aunt  Abigail  who  lived  two 
hundred  years  ago,  and  learn  that  the  good 
new  days  are  good  enough  for  them.  Five 
scenes,  with  Prologue  and  Interlude  in 
verse.  For  five  boys  and  two  girls.  Simple 
directions. 

In  the  springtime.    BRY,  p.  104. 

A  little  dialogue  in  verse  between  a  child 
and  a  swallow. 

In  witchcraft  days.    MAG,  p.  180. 

Goody  Gurton  is  accused  of  witchcraft, 
because  of  the  disappearance  of  little  Bar- 
bara Williams.  See  Hawthorne  pageant 
of  which  this  is  a  part.  One  act.  For  six 
boys,  eleven  girls,  and  extras.  Directions 
given.     Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Independence  Day.     HX,  p.  77. 

A  group  of  people  wait  outside  the  old 
State  House,  until  the  Declaration  of  In- 
dependence is  signed,  and  shout  their  loud 
Hurrahs  when  the  bell  rings  for  Liberty. 
A  very  short,  one-act  play  for  children  in 
the  third  or  fourth  grade. 

Indian  boy's  pet.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  64. 

A  pet  eagle  saves  Loti  from  the  river. 
For  eleven  little  children. 

Indian  gifts.    TU,  p.  106. 

A  story  of  Priscilla  Alden's  cow. — Con- 
tents.    For  two  boys  and  two  girls.     Short. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


53 


Indian  mutiny.     GOA,  bk.  5,  p.  48.     Jack  and  the  beanstalk.    WI,  p.  99. 

A  simple  arrangement  for  six  parts  in 
primary  grades. 


The  siege  of  Lucknow  and  the  terror  of 
the  mutiny  result  in  the  abolishment  of  the 
East  India  Company,  and  the  transference 
of  the  affairs  of  India  to  the  crown.  Three 
scenes.  For  twenty-five  boys,  four  girls 
and  extras.    For  class-room  use. 

Irish  play.    CO,  p.  215. 

The  story  of  Connery,  King  of  Ireland, 
arranged  from  the  saga,  "The  Destruction 
of  Da  Derga's  Hostel."  Four  scenes.  For 
thirteen  boys,  including  the  tiny  son  of  the 
King  of  Ireland,  and  three  fairy  pipers. 

Ivanhoe.    FIA. 

Brief  dramatization  of  the  novel  of  the 
name  in  eight  scenes,  using  as  far  as  pos- 
sible the  language  of  the  book.  Intended 
for  class-room  use  rather  than  for  actual 
presentation.  For  nineteen  boys  and  three 
girls. 

Ivanhoe.    FRA. 

The  rescue  of  Ivanhoe  from  Front-de- 
Boeuf's  castle  by  Richard,  king  of  England, 
disguised  as  the  Black  Knight.  One  scene 
for  eleven  boys  and  one  girl.  Simple  di- 
rections. 

Ivanhoe.    SI',  first  year,  p.  23. 

Two  scenes  arranged  from  Sir  Walter 
Scott :  Gurth  and  the  Outlaws ;  and  The 
Revels  of  the  Black  Knight  and  the  Clerk 
of  Copmanhurst.  For  nine  boys.  For  High 
School  use. 

Ivanhoe.    ST,  bk.  5,  p.  166. 

The  Knights  Templars  capture  Isaac  of 
York  and  his  daughter  Rebecca,  and  place 
them  in  Front-de-Boeuf's  castle,  which  is 
then  besieged  by  the  Black  Knight  and  his 
followers.  Rebecca  is  carried  off  again  by 
Sir  Brian  and  is  later  accused  of  being  a 
witch.  Sir  Wilfred  of  Ivanhoe  champions 
her  cause,  and  Richard  the  Lion-hearted, 
in  the  guise  of  the  Black  Knight,  breaks  the 
Templar's  power.  Based  on  episodes  in 
Sir  Walter  Scott's  novel.  Three  acts  for 
twenty-four  boys,  two  girls,  and  many  ex- 
tras. 

Ivanhoe.    See  also  Archery  contest. 

Jack  and  the  beanstalk.    BE,  p.  139. 

An  arrangement  of  the  familiar  tale  in 
three  acts  for  three  boys  and  two  girls. 
Songs  with  music.  Costumes  suggested. 
Full  directions. 


Jackdaw  of  Rheims.    See  Jim  Crow. 

James  I.    GOA,  bk.  4,  p.  9. 

King  James  I  declares  his  support  of  the 
Established  Church  at  the  Conference  at 
Hampton  Court.  A  mysterious  warning 
leads  to  the  discovery  of  the  Gunpowder 
Plot  and  the  seizure  of  Guy  Fawkes.  Four 
scenes.  For  twenty-seven  boys  and  two 
girls.    For  class-room  use. 

James  Wolfe.    BI,  p.  221. 

How  the  British,  under  Wolfe,  capture 
Quebec  from  the  French  commanded  by 
Montcalm.     Three  scenes  for  eleven  boys. 

Jason.    COA,  p.  134. 

How  the  Argonauts  sailed  to  Colchis  to 
seek  the  Golden  Fleece,  and  how  Medea,  the 
king's  daughter,  helped  Jason  to  conquer 
the  dragon  that  guarded  it.  Six  scenes  for 
thirteen  boys  and  one  girl. 

Jean  Valjean.    ST,  bk.  5,  p.  109. 

Victor  Hugo's  story  of  a  man  sentenced 
to  the  galleys  for  stealing  a  loaf  of  bread; 
how  after  his  release  he  gains  an  honored 
place  among  men,  and  how  he  courage- 
ously confesses  his  identity  when  another 
is  unjustly  accused  under  the  name  of  Jean 
Valjean.    Two  acts  for  many  characters. 

Jean  Valjean  and  the  bishop.     KN, 

p.  147. 

The  incidents  of  Jean  Valjean's  visit  to 
the  Bishop,  the  theft  of  the  plate,  and  the 
encounter  with  Little  Gervais,  adapted  from 
Les  Miserables.  Three  scenes  for  five  boys 
and  one  girl. 

Jenny  Wren  and  Cock  Robin.    WI, 

p.  59. 

The  nursery  rhyme  arranged  in  four 
parts  for  use  in  primary  grades. 

Jim  Crow.    STD. 

"A  story  gallons  old 

In  which  a  jackdaw  overbold 

Thought  well  to  thieve  a  prelate's  ring." 

A  musical  play  in  one  act  founded  on  the 

legend  of  The  Jackdaw  of  Rheims.    Music 

for  choruses   and   dances  given.     For  ten 

boys  and  many  extras.     Detailed  descrip- 


54 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


tion  of  stage  plan,  furniture  and  costumes. 
Plays  fifty-five  minutes. 

Jingle's  wooing  of  the  spinster  aunt. 
PER,  p.  43. 

Mr.  Tupman  makes  love  to  Miss  War  die, 
and  is  discovered  by  Joseph,  the  Fat  Boy, 
w^ho  betrays  him  to  Mrs.  Wardle ;  Mr. 
Jingle  convinces  Miss  Wardle  that  Tupman 
only  wants  her  money;  Jingle  and  Miss 
Wardle  run  away  to  London  and  are  fol- 
lowed by  Mr.  Perker,  his  solicitor,  and  by 
Mr.  Pickwick;  Jingle  leaves  for  a  consider- 
ation of  one  hundred  pounds.  Two  scenes 
from  Pickwick  Papers  giving  part  of  the 
story  which  is  dramatized  in  Comstock's 
Dickens  Dramatic  Reader  as  Mr.  Pickwick 
at  Dingley  Dell.  For  six  boys  and  two  girls. 
Three  costume  plates.    Stage  directions. 

Joan  of  Arc.    LAS,  p.  124. 

"This  beauteous  tree  with  leaves  so  green. 
Wondrous  tree  of  Fairy-Land. 
The  children  come  to  you  each  day, 
You  shield  them  in  their  happy  play. 
And  guard  them  on  their  homeward  way. 
Their  love,  and  joy  and  pride." 
Three  short  scenes  from  the  story  of  the 
life    of    the    Maid    of    Orleans:    A    dance 
around    the    Fairy    tree;    Joan    hears    the 
Voices ;  and  Joan  is  present  at  the  corona- 
tion of  the  king.     For  two  boys,  one  girl, 
and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

Joan  of  Arc.  See  also  Maid  of  Or- 
leans. 

John   Halifax,  gentleman.     KN,  p. 

103. 

Story  of  the  beginning  of  the  friendship 
between  Phineas  Fletcher  and  John  Hali- 
fax. Adapted  from  Dinah  Mulock  Craik's 
story  with  this  title.  Two  scenes  for  three 
boys. 

John  Halifax,  gentleman.  See  also 
Boy's  friendship. 

John  Joseph  Pershing.    HI. 

Five  acts  in  chronological  order  from 
the  life  of  General  Pershing.  For  nineteen 
or  more  boys,  three  girls  and  extras.  Bet- 
ter for  school'  use  than  for  actual  dramati- 
zation. 

John  Smith.    BI,  p.  129. 

The  paleface  who  has  landed  in  Virginia 
is  seized  by  the  Indians,  and  saved  from 
their  anger  by  the  Indian  maid  Pocahontas. 


Four  scenes  for  eight  boys,  three  girls  and 
others  as  Indians. 

John  Smith.  See  also  Narrow  es- 
cape; Pocahontas  and  Captain 
Smith;  Princess  Pocahontas. 

Johnny  Cake.    BRY,  p.  46. 

How  Johnny  Cake  outruns  an  old  man, 
an  old  woman,  a  little  boy,  two  ditch  dig- 
gers, two  well  diggers,  a  bear  and  a  wolf, 
but  is  caught  by  a  fox.  For  ten  little  chil- 
dren. 

Joliet  and  Marquette.     BI,  p.  33. 

Explorer  and  priest  follow  the  great  river 
of  the  west  until  they  have  no  doubt  that  it 
flows  into  the  Gulf  of  Mexico.  Seven  scenes 
for  sixteen  boys,  one  girl,  and  extras. 

June  magic.    LO,  p.  55. 

Mignonette,  queen  of  the  fairies,  with  her 
elves  and  sprites  and  blossom  spirits,  visits 
Lucy  and  Beatrice  in  a  garden.  One  scene. 
For  two  boys,  five  girls  and  extras.  Dances 
for  the  fairies.  May  be  given  out  of  doors. 
Directions. 

Just  judge.    LA,  p.  115. 

Bou-Akas,  sheik  of  Algeria,  tests  the  oft- 
reported  wisdom  of  the  judge.  Narrative 
form   with   helps   for  dramatization. 

Katjen's  garden.    LO,  p.  35. 

The  schoolmaster,  the  mayor's  wife  and 
the  minister's  wife  in  a  little  Dutch  town 
judge  that  Little  Katjen's  garden  is  the 
best  cared  for  and  that  her  flowers  are 
the  earliest  and  the  fairest.  They,  there- 
fore, give  to  her  the  school  prize,  which  is 
a  fine  new  set  of  garden  tools  and  a  bag 
of  bulbs  and  declare  her  for  the  next  year 
the  Garden  Queen.  Written  to  be  per- 
formed out  of  doors,  but  may  be  divided 
into  three  scenes  for  indoor  production. 
For  four  boys,  four  girls  and  extras. 
Dances  and  songs.  Music  suggested.  Di- 
rections. 

Keeping  shop.    LA,  p.  124. 

"Miss  Hepzibah  Pyncheon,  an  old  gentle- 
woman, is  forced  to  earn  her  living  by 
keeping  a  'cent  shop'  in  her  ancestral  home, 
the  House  of  the  Seven  Gables."  Narrative 
from  Hawthorne,  with  helps  for  dramatiza- 
tion. 

Kenilworth  castle.     KN,  p.  215. 

Queen  Elizabeth  discovers  the  secret  mar- 
riage of  Amy  Robsart  and  the  Earl  of  Lei- 


INDEX   TO   PLAYS 


55 


cester.     Two  scenes  adapted  from  Scott's 
Kenilworth  for  six  boys  and  two  girls. 

Kenilworth  castle.     See  also  Queen 
Elizabeth  and  Sir  Walter  Raleigh, 

Keys  of  Calais.    ST,  bk.  4,  p.  87. 

Six  citizens  of  Calais  present  the  keys  of 
the  city  to  King  Edward  at  his  command 
and  are  saved  from  death  by  the  interven- 
tion of  Queen  Philippa.  Three  scenes.  For 
seven  boys,  seven  girls  and  extras. 

Keys  of  Calais.     See  also  Burghers 
of  Calais;   Siege  of  Calais. 

Kid  and  the  wolf.    PR,  p.  16. 

Mr.  Wolf  is  persuaded  by  a  little  kid 
to  play  several  tunes  on  his  horn,  and  he 
plays  so  long  that  the  dogs  have  time  to 
come  and  attack  him.  For  several  little 
children. 

Kidnapped.     SI,  second  year,  p.  78. 

Four  short  scenes  arranged  for  High 
School  use  from  Stevenson :  David's  first 
morning  at  the  House  of  Shaws ;  The  reve- 
lation; The  quarrel;  The  reconciliation. 
For  four  boys. 

King  Alfred.     HOA,  p.  125. 

Covers  the  time  from  Alfred's  boyhood 
until  the  Danes  are  conquered  by  the  Sax- 
ons. Four  scenes  for  seven  boys,  two  girls, 
and  extras. 

King  Alfred.     SK,  p.  189. 

The  king  spends  the  winter  in  hiding  in 
the  hut  of  a  cowherd  and  his  wife.  In 
narrative  form. 

King  Alfred  and  the  cakes.    D,  p.  65. 

The  ragged  stranger  who  lets  the  rye 
cakes  burn  proves  to  be  the  good  King 
Alfred  in  hiding  from  his  enemies.  One 
act.  For  three  boys  and  one  girl.  Simple 
directions.     Plays  about  thirty  minutes. 

King  Alfred  and  the  cakes.    ST,  bk. 
2,  p.  115. 

The  same  story  arranged  for  eleven  boys 
and  one  girl. 

King  Alfred.     See   also   Alfred  the 

Great. 
King    Cophetua    and    the    Beggar 

Maid.     SO,  p.  35. 

A  magic  rose  flung  away  by  a  proud  and 
haughty    Princess,    brings    "perfect    happi- 


ness" to  the  little  Beggar  Maid,  whom 
Cophetua  crowns  as  his  Queen.  Two  acts. 
For  six  boys,  two  girls,  and  extras.  Col- 
ored illustrations  suggest  costumes.  Sim- 
ple directions.     Plays  thirty  minutes. 

King  Ithuriel.    CH,  p.  32. 

Hermes  saves  the  aged  King  Ithuriel 
from  the  plotting  of  his  jealous  daughter. 
In  verse.  Five  acts.  For  five  older  boys 
and  three  older  girls.     Directions  given. 

King  John  and  the  abbot.     SCB,  p. 
188. 

How  the  abbot's  shepherd  secured  pardon 
for  his  master  by  answering  three  puzzling 
questions.  Three  short  scenes  for  six  or 
more  boys. 

King  John  and  the  abbot.     LA,  p. 
219. 

"An  ancient  story  we'll  show  you  anon, 
Of    a    notable    prince    that    was    called 

King  John, 
And  we'll  show  you  a  story,  a  story  so 

merry. 
Concerning  the  Abbot  of  Canterbury." 

Three  scenes  for  nine  boys,  two  girls  and 
extras.     Simple  directions. 

King  John  and  the  abbot.     See  also 
Faithful  shepherd ;  Two  questions. 

King  Midas.     GO,  p.  68. 

The  richest  king  in  the  world  whose  very 
touch  turns  all  to  gold,  finds  that  there  are 
treasures  richer  than  the  precious  metal. 
For  two  boys,  one  girl,  and  extras  as  serv- 
ants. Two  short  scenes.  Costumes  sug- 
gested in  notes  and  by  photographs.  Direc- 
tions  given. 

King  Midas.    LAS,  p.  19. 

A  short  and  simple  version  arranged  for 
two  boys  and  one  girl.     Simple  directions. 

King  Midas.  See  also  Golden  touch; 
Midas  and  Bacchus. 

King  of  the  cats.    LA,  p.  28. 

A  black  cat  hears  the  strange  tale  of  a 
funeral  where  coffin  and  torches  are  car- 
ried by  cats.  Shrieking  "Good  gracious ! 
old  Peter's  dead,  and  I'm  King  of  the  cats," 
he  leaps  out  of  the  window  and  is  seen  no 
more.  Narrative  form,  with  helps  for 
dramatization. 


56 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


King  of  the  Golden  River.    LUB,  v. 

1,  p.  64. 

The  story  of  Gluck  and  the  Treasure 
valley  arranged  from  Ruskin  in  three 
scenes  for  seven  boys. 

King  of  the  Golden  River.  See  also 
Destruction  of  Treasure  Valley; 
Southwest  wind's  visit  to  Gluck; 
Story  of  Gluck;  Strange  visitor. 

King  Richard  and  Robin  Hood. 
SKC,  p.  209. 

Richard  of  England  visits  Robin  in  the 
forest,  and  learns  that  to  be  an  outlav^^ 
need  not  mean  to  be  a  traitor.  Four  scenes. 
For  ten  boys  and  two  girls.  Simple  direc- 
tion.    Illustrations  suggest  costumes. 

King  Solomon  and  the  ants.     G,  p. 

161. 

The  vifisest  man  in  all  the  world  hears  the 
small  ant  folk  say  that  they  fear  that  he 
will  ride  over  them.  And  the  king  and  his 
long  line  of  soldiers  turn  sharply  aside  so 
that  the  ants  are  not  harmed.  In  narrative 
and  dramatic  form.  For  two  boys,  one 
girl  and  nine  children  to  take  the  part  of 
ants. 

King  Uggermugger.    BUB,  p.  121. 

Ugly  King  Uggermugger  finds  out  how  to 
get  a  steed  as  beautiful  as  the  stars,  a  wife 
as  lovely  as  the  moon,  and  how  to  make 
himself  as  handsome  as  the  sun.  Adapted 
from  Prince  Ubbely  Bubbles'  fairy  tales. 
One  act.  For  three  boys  and  three  girls. 
Directions   for  costumes  and   setting. 

King's  escape.     HAB,  p.  48. 

King  Charles  II,  in  the  guise  of  a  peas- 
ant, eludes  Cromwell's  soldiers.  The  two 
acts  comprise  thirteen  scenes.  For  eighteen 
boys  and  two  girls,  but  some  of  the  parts 
may  be  doubled.  Simple  staging.  Costumes 
described. 

King's  good  friend.     ST,  bk.   1,  p. 

60. 

The  king's  hawk  saves  him  from  drink- 
ing water  from  a  poisoned  spring.  For 
three  little  children. 

King's  jester.    DU. 

For  love  of  Diane  de  Poictiers,  a  court 
jester  saves  her  father's  life,  but  loses  his 
own  through  the  treachery  of   Count  Vi- 


nard.  A  four-act  play  of  the  time  of 
Francis  I,  written  in  verse.  For  six  older 
boys  and  one  older  girl.  Several  songs. 
Directions   for  costumes  and  staging. 

King's  riddle.     BL,  v.  2,  p.  5. 

How  learned  man  and  courtier  set  about 
to  solve  the  King's  riddle  and  what  came 
of  it.  One  scene.  For  ten  or  more  boys. 
Simple   directions. 

Knights  of  the  silver  shield.    SK,  p. 
201. 

Sir  Roland  wins  the  golden  star  of 
Knighthood  by  guarding  the  gate  while 
other  knights  do  battle  with  the  giants. 
Narrative  from  Raymond  M.  Alden's  story 
with  the  same  title,  with  helps  for  drama- 
tization. 

Lady-bird.    BRY,  p.  78. 

Poem  by  F.  E.  Weatherby,  arranged  for 
two  parts. 

Lady  of  the  lake.    COC. 

A  prose  dramatization  of  Sir  Walter 
Scott's  poem.  Six  acts.  For  ten  boys,  two 
girls,  and  extras.     Directions  given. 

Lady   of   the   lake.     LUA,   p.    103, 

LUB,  V.  3,  p.  100. 

"He  stood  in  simple  Lincoln  green. 
The  center  of  a  glittering  ring — 
And  Snowdoun's  Knight  is  Scotland's 
King  1" 

Eleven  scenes  in  verse  arranged  for 
school  use.  For  six  boys,  three  girls  and 
extras.    Plays  one  hour. 

Lady  of  the  lake.     See  also  Return 
of  the  Douglas. 

Ladybird.    JO,  p.  76. 

A  little  story  of  a  little  girl,  a  ladybird 
and  her  two  babies.  Arranged  for  three 
little  children. 

Lady  Moon.    SKB,  p.  50. 

Poem  by  Lord  Houghton,  arranged  for 
two  parts. 

La  Fayette.    WY,  p.  1. 

The  Marquis  de  La  Fayette  escapes  from 
France  and  comes  to  America  to  help  the 
American  farmers  defend  their  liberties. 
The  historical  incidents  are  taken  from 
La  Fayette's  accounts  in  his  memoirs  and 
letters  and  from  other  sources,  and  many 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


57 


of  the  speeches  throughout  the  play  are 
quotations.  An  historical  play  in  three  acts 
which  calls  for  twenty-four  boys  and  seven 
girls,  but  which,  it  is  suggested,  may  be 
given  by  seventeen  actors.  Suggestions 
for  costumes. 

Lafayette,    the   friend   of  America. 
HX,  p.  92. 

How  Lafayette  heard  of  the  brave  fight 
of  the  American  colonists  and  came  to 
Washington  to  offer  the  aid  of  France. 
Short  play  in  three  acts  for  third  and 
fourth  grade  children.  For  thirteen  boys, 
three  girls,  and  extras. 

Lafayette's  toast.    ST,  bk.  4,  p.  136. 

General  Gates,  General  Conway  and 
others  conspiring  against  General  Wash- 
ington offer  the  Marquis  de  Lafayette  a 
high  position  with  them.  He  answers  them 
by  proposing  "the  health  of  the  greatest 
soldier  in  the  world  today,  the  commander- 
in-chief  of  the  American  army — General 
George  Washington."  For  eleven  or  more 
boys. 

Lambikin.     DO,  p.  76. 

"To  Granny's  house  I  go. 
Where  I  shall  fatter  grow, 
Then  you  can  eat  me  so." 

Wee,  wee  lambikin  outwits  all  the  ani- 
mals except  the  jackal  who  gobbles  him  up. 
Arranged  for  seven  parts. 

Lambikin.     LAN,  p.  46. 

The  same  story  in  narrative  form. 

Lancelot  and  Elaine.  SI,  fourth  year, 
p.  52. 

Two  scenes  from  Tennyson's  Idylls  of 
the  King  arranged  for  High  School  use. 
For  four  boys  and  one  girl. 

Land  of  Nod.     S,  p.  41. 

"An  operetta  for  young  folk,  portraying 
the  visit  of  six  little  sleepy-heads  to  the 
King  of  the  Land  of  Nod,  and  the  wonders 
they  saw  at  his  court."  For  twenty-five  or 
more  children.  Music  given.  Costumes  de- 
scribed.   Full  directions. 

Lark  and  the  rook.    SK,  p.  164. 

Poem  arranged  for  two  parts. 
Lark's  nest.     ST,  bk.  1,  p.  74. 

A  lark  who  saves  her  babies  in  the  wheat 
field  from  the  farmer's  great  machine  saves 


also  his  little  boy  and  girl.    For  seven  little 
children. 

La  Salle.     BI,  p.  143. 

How  La  Salle  and  Tonty  explore  the 
Mississippi  and  claim  for  France  all  the 
territory  along  the  big  river  eastward  and 
westward.  Seven  scenes  for  nineteen  boys, 
two  girls,  and  extras. 

Last  of  the  Mohicans.  SI,  second 
year,  p.  19. 

Arranged  from  Cooper  for  High  School 
use.  A  Prologue,  Interludes  and  Epilogue 
cover  events  of  the  story  not  included  in 
the  three  scenes :  The  search,  The  council 
of  the  Delaware,  and  The  parting.  For 
thirteen  boys,  two  girls  and  extras. 

Last  sitting.    MED,  p.  7. 

A  short  play  about  the  picture  Mona  Lisa. 
Characters  are  the  artist,  Leonardo  da 
Vinci  and  his  sitter,  Mona  Lisa.  Full 
directions. 

Latona  and  the  rustics.    COA,  p.  23. 

The  countrymen  who  deny  Latona  a 
drink  from  their  lake  are  changed  to  frogs. 
For  four  boys  and  one  girl. 

Laughing  Sanja.     SKB,  p.  150. 

A  Japanese  story  of  how  an  old  woman 
escapes  from  a  wicked  ogre.  For  five  little 
children. 

Lazy  Kate.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  31. 

Kate's  dream  that  her  bed  took  her  to 
school  helps  her  to  get  up  early  in  the 
morning.  Three  short  scenes  for  four  little 
children  and  extras. 

Legend  of  the  dandelion.  WI,  p.  96. 

The  Angel  of  the  Flowers  names  the 
dandelion  as  the  children's  own  flower.  In 
narrative  form  for  primary  grades. 

Les  Miserables.  See  Jean  Valjean; 
Jean  Valjean  and  the  bishop; 
Little  Cosette  and  "Father  Christ- 
mas." 

Lewis  and  Clark.    BI,  p.  173. 

Episodes  from  the  story  of  the  "first 
across  the  continent"  expedition,  with  its 
beginning  and  ending  in  St.  Louis.  Six 
scenes  for  twenty  boys,  two  girls,  and  ex- 
tras. 


58 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Light.     WIC,  p.  27. 

"America's  children"  from  other  lands 
greet  a  little  immigrant  child,  who  has  fol- 
lowed the  light  of  Peace  that  shines  from 
the  window  of  his  new  home,  and  who 
"wants  to  be  an  American,  too."  For  eight 
boys  and  six  girls.  Costumes  described.  Di- 
rections  given. 

Lighting  of  the  torch.     DR,  July- 
Aug.-Sept.,  1920,  p.  350. 

In  the  new  world,  Hope  dedicates  an 
altar  to  Liberty,  kindling  upon  it  a  flame, 
which  is  to  become  a  guiding  light  to  Free- 
dom. 

Drawn  by  the  light  of  Hope,  Faith,  lead- 
ing our  Pilgrim  Fathers  in  their  search  for 
Freedom,  comes  to  the  shrine  in  the  wilder- 
ness. Beset  by  perils  of  sea  and  land,  the 
weary  Pilgrims,  about  to  lose  Hope,  are 
saved  by  Faith.  They  overcome  Cold, 
Hunger,  Pestilence,  and  Drought,  by  the 
aid  of  Faith.  They  find  the  dreaded  Indian 
a  friend  in  need,  and  conquering  Fear  by 
Faith,  are  given  a  glimpse  of  brighter  days, 
the  Future  holds   for  their  new  homeland. 

Then  comes  the  supreme  test.  The  sail- 
ing of  the  Mayflower  brings  a  host  of  ten- 
der Memories,  pleading  with  the  Pilgrims 
to  return  to  friends  and  kin.  They  choose 
to  remain,  with  Hope  and  Faith  in  the 
wilderness  of  their  New  World.  There, 
gathered  about  the  altar  of  Liberty,  they 
behold  a  vision  of  a  time,  when  the  flame 
their  Faith  has  kept,  is  to  become  a  beacon 
light,  held  high,  to  guide  all  hearts,  great 
to  dare,  hearts  brave  to  do,  to  the  New 
World-home  of  Liberty. — The  Story. 

A  masque  by  Fannie  R.  Buchanan.  For 
many  characters.  Music  suggested.  Di- 
rections. 

Lion  and  the  mouse.    JO,  p.  17. 

A  little  mouse  finds  a  way  to  help  a  lion 
who  spared  his  life.  For  three  little  chil- 
dren. 

Lion  and  the  story-teller.     SKB,  p. 

169. 

Mr.  Fox  shows  King  Lion  how  he  can  tell 
stories  without  ceasing.  For  five  or  more 
little  children. 

Lionel  of  Orkney.     FRB. 

The  "kitchen  knave"  who  vowed  to  keep 
his  noble  blood  a  secret  for  a  twelve- 
month and  a  day  is  knighted  by  King  Ar- 
thur.    Written   by   pupils    of    the    eighth 


grade  of  the  Francis  W.  Parker  School, 
Chicago.  One  act.  For  eleven  boys  and 
one  girl.    Simple  directions. 

Lion's  friend.    WI,  p.  26. 

The  other  animals  wonder  why  the  lion 
has  chosen  the  elephant  for  his  friend.  A 
fable  in  six  parts  for  primary  grades. 

Little   Bess,  the  ballad  girl.   LAN, 
p.  159. 

"Come  round  and  buy,  come  buy,  come  buy, 

A  ballad  of  Little  Bess; 
To  please  your  taste  I'll  do  my  best; 

'Tis  all  I  can  profess." 

The  village  makes  holiday  on  the  green, 
and  the  little  ballad  girl  recites  three  old 
ballads.  Blueberry  Courtship,  The  Way  to 
Woo,  and  Shopping. 

Little  birds.    JO,  p.  52. 

Father  Bird  and  Mother  Bird  teach  their 
little  ones  to  fly.  For  five  little  children. 

Little  Boy  Blue.     BRY,  p.  60. 

The  little  boy  who  looks  after  the  sheep 
falls  fast  asleep.    For  three  little  children. 

Little  boy  out  of  the  wood.     GX, 

p.  1. 

Bessie,  a  showroom  girl  in  a  hat  shop, 
meets  the  Little  Boy  out  of  the  Wood  near 
Epping  Forest.  One  act  for  two  characters. 
Plays  about  fifteen  minutes. 

Little  Bridget.     SYR,  p.  45. 

"They  stole  little  Bridget." 
A  one-act  play  based  on  William  Ailing- 
ham's  poem.  The  Fairies.  For  one  boy,  four 
girls,  and  extras  as  pixies.    Costumes  sug- 
gested.   Directions  given.    Plays  one  hour. 

Little  Bridget.     See  also  Fairies. 

Little  Christmas  tree.     SKB,  p.  60. 

Santa  Claus  visits  the  woods  to  choose  a 
little  fir  tree  for  Christmas.   For  four  parts. 

Little  citizens  making  a  new  Amer- 
ica.    LUB,  V.  3,  p.  46. 

"O  brave  flag,  O  bright  flag,  O  flag  to  lead 
the  free ! 
The  glory  of  thy  silver  stars. 
Engrailed  in  blue  above  the  bars 
Of  red  for  courage,  white  for  truth. 
Has  brought  the  world  a  second  youth 
And    drawn   a   hundred   million   hearts    to 
follow  after  thee." 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


59 


Adapted  from  Percy  Mackaye's  The 
New  Citizenship,  and  arranged  for  school 
presentation  by  a  large  number  of  children. 

Little  cock  sparrow.     JO,  p.  29. 

How  a  little  sparrow  flew  away  from  a 
boy  with  a  bow  and  arrow.  For  two  little 
children. 

Little  Cosette  and  "Father   Christ- 
mas."   KN,  p.  93. 

How  the  little  maid-of-all-work  at  the 
inn  of  Montfermeil  is  rescued  from  cruel 
Mother  Thenardier  and  her  husband. 
Three  scenes  adapted  from  Hugo's  Les 
Miserables  and  arranged  for  two  boys  and 
three  girls. 

Little  Crusaders.     BZ. 

And  it  came  to  pass  that  all  through 
Europe  the  little  children  began  to  dream 
and  to  talk.  And  one  Etienne,  a  shepherd 
lad,  of  Vendome,  gathered  together  the 
boys  and  girls  of  France,  and  preached  to 
them,  bidding  them  follow  him  to  Jeru- 
salem and  rescue  the  Tomb  of  Christ  from 
the  Turks.  So  the  children,  coming  from 
near  and  far,  took  up  the  cross  which  their 
parents  had  laid  aside,  and  they  followed 
Etienne  to  Brindisi  on  the  seacoast. — Pro- 
logue. 

Consists  of  Prologue,  Epilogue  and  two 
acts,  for  presentation  by  five  adults,  ten 
childreti  and  as  many  extra  boys  and 
girls  as  may  be  desired. 

Written  by  the  compiler  of  the  Catholic 
Juvenile  Play  Catalogue. 

Little   female   academy.      BUB,    p. 

225. 

Contrasts  the  prim  and  proper  behavior 
of  old-fashioned  school  girls  with  the  man- 
ners of  their  modern  counterparts.  One 
act.  For  nine  girls  and  one  boy.  Directions 
for  costumes  and  setting. 

Little  fish.     SKB,  p.  35. 

A  little  fish  tries  to  persuade  a  fisherman 
to  let  him  go  until  he  is  larger.  A  very 
short  dialogue  for  two  little  children. 

Little  fish.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  3. 

The  same  story  arranged  for  two  little 
children. 

Little  folk  in  green.    SA,  p.  188. 

Little  Boy-green  is  lured  away  by  the 
fairy  folk,  but  chooses  to  return  and  to  be 


"Just  a  little  boy."  A  poetic  little  outdoor 
play  in  two  scenes  for  a  little  boy,  his 
young  mother,  an  old  witch  and  ten  or 
twelve  fairy  folk.  Includes  music  for  songs 
and  dances.  Costumes  described.  Direc- 
tions given. 

Little  girl  who  helped.     LUB,  v.  2, 
p.  80. 

A  little  Spanish  girl  who  encouraged 
Christopher  Columbus  to  keep  on  trying  to 
find  the  big  new  country  is  rewarded  by 
his  naming  his  smallest  ship,  the  Nina,  for 
her.  Three  short  scenes.  For  one  boy  and 
three  girls.    For  school  use. 

Little  gray  pony.    WI,  p.  16. 

The  story  of  the  little  gray  pony  that 
lost  a  shoe,  adapted  from  the  narrative  of 
Maud  Lindsay. 

Little  Gustava.    WI,  p.  130. 

Poem  by  Celia  Thaxter.  For  primary 
grades. 

Little  Half-chick.     SK,  p.  39. 

How  Half-chick  started  for  Madrid  to 
see  the  king  and  how  he  must  stay  forever 
at  the  top  of  a  tall  church  steeple.  In  nar- 
rative form. 

Little    Half-chick.      See    also    Half- 
chick. 

Little  Homemaker.    OLA,  p.  57. 

Once  upon  a  time.  Waste  stole  into  the 
sunny  kitchen  of  the  little  Homemaker 
while  she  was  off  to  market,  and  alas !  if 
Thrift  and  her  child  Economy  had  not 
visited  that  home  with  their  wisdom  and 
sage  advice,  that  ruthless  boy  would  be 
there  yet ! — Program.  "A  play  of  Food 
Conservation"  in  one  act  for  one  boy  and 
three  girls.  Costume  designs  and  simple 
directions. 

Little  jackal   and   the   camel.     ST, 
bk.  2,  p.  49. 

With  the  jackal  on  his  back,  the  camel 
has  a  strange  feeling  that  he  must  roll  over 
in  the  middle  of  the  stream.  For  two  little 
children. 

Little   Jane    Patchwork.      OLA,    p. 

35. 

Little  Jane  was  busily  seaming  her  patch- 
work quilt  one  bright  day,  with  her  old 
Grandmother    napping    by     her     side — and 


60 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


this  is  what  happened— two  queer  little 
Elf  men  crept  into  the  room  and  stole  the 
quilt  and  carried  it  to  their  Queen  who 
was  dancing  on  the  forest  green  with  her 
Fairy  Maidens.  But  when  the  little  girl 
claims  her  quilt  the  Fairies  are  filled  with 
anger,  and  they  seek  to  bind  her  with  a 
magic  spell.  'Tis  useless!  for  their  power 
is  broken  by  a  holy  charm,  which  the  child 
had  learned  from  her  dear  old  Grand- 
mother. So  little  Jane  and  her  patchwork 
quilt  are  safe  once  more  in  the  old  fash- 
ioned cottage.— Progrra/u.  "A  play  of  child- 
hood" in  three  acts  for  two  boys,  four  girls 
and  extras.    Simple  directions. 

Little  king.     BY. 

A  poetic  drama,  by  Witter  Bynner,  in 
which  Louis  XVII,  boy-king  of  France, 
nobly  refuses  to  escape  from  the  Temple 
by  changing  clothes  with  Robert,  who  re- 
sembles him. 

"Robert  could  never  stand  it  as  I  can. 
A  king  can  stand— O  more  than  anyone!" 

For  four  boys  and  one  older  girl.  Direc- 
tions given.    Plays  forty-five  minutes. 

Little  life  of  Lincoln.     HX,  p.  139. 

Four  incidents  in  the  life  of  Lincoln : 
When  Lincoln  was  a  boy;  Honest  Abe; 
Lincoln  the  kind-hearted;  the  death  of 
Lincoln.  Brief  play  in  four  acts  for  third 
and  fourth  grade  children.  For  seven  boys, 
five  girls,  and  many  extras. 

Little  Lord  Fauntleroy.     BUE. 

Dramatization  of  the  well-known  story 
of  "how  a  little  American  boy  became  an 
English  Lord."  Three  acts.  For  nine  boys 
and  three  girls.    Plays  a  full  evening. 

Little  maid  of  Concord  town.     KN, 
p.  69. 

Just  before  the  battle  of  Lexington, 
Debby  Parlin,  a  young  girl,  talks  with  her 
cousin  Simon  about  what  a  girl  can  do  for 
her  country.  The  second  scene  shows  the 
visit  of  a  British  spy  to  a  Concord  home 
that  he  may  learn  about  the  spirit  of  the 
colonists.  Adapted  from  Margaret  Sid- 
ney's story  with  this  title.  Two  scenes  for 
three  boys  and  six  girls. 

"Little  men"  play.     GOB. 

A  play  arranged  in  two  acts  from  Louisa 
May  Alcott's  story  of  the  school  Jo  March 
kept  for  boys.  Sequel  to  Little  Women. 
Pictures  by  Reginald  B.  Birch.    Costumes 


suggested.     For    six   boys    and    four    girls. 
Full  directions.    Plays  forty-five  minutes. 

Little  mermaid.    BUB,  p.  274. 

Into  the  action  of  the  play  are  intro- 
duced extracts  from  Kingsley's  Water 
Babies,  Carroll's  Alice  in  Wonderland,  and 
Arnold's  Forsaken  Merman.  For  two  boys, 
ten  girls,  and  extras.  Several  songs.  Di- 
rections for  costumes  and  setting. 

Little   patriot.     WIC,   p.    103. 

A  slip  of  a  girl,  Susan  Boudinot,  refuses 
to  drink  tea  taxed  by  King  George  the 
Third.  She  empties  her  cup  from  the  win- 
dow of  the  royal  governor's  house,  and  so 
waters  "that  rarest  of  flowers,  the  Flower 
of  Liberty."  Two  scenes.  For  five  boys  and 
seven  girls.  Suggestions  for  costumes  and 
staging. 

Little  people  of  Autumn.     OLB,  p. 

11. 

Peter,  the  farmer  boy,  grows  tired  of  liv- 
ing in  the  country,  and  longs  to  go  to  the 
city.  He  is  tired  of  fields  and  flowers,  of 
trees  and  fruits  and  vegetables,  and  more 
than  anything  else,  he  hates  digging  pota- 
toes, so  the  Spirit  of  Autumn  comes  to  him 
while  he  is  sulking  in  the  Potato  Field 
with  all  her  fruit  and  vegetable  children, 
Potato,  everybody's  friend,  Wheat  and 
Grass,  the  loving  twins.  Pumpkin,  the 
Thanksgiving  girl,  and  Apple  and  Berry, 
and  they  teach  him  how  wonderful  the 
country  is  after  all. — Program.  One  act. 
For  four  boys  and  four  girls.  Designs  for 
costumes.    Simple  directions. 

Little  pilgrims.     TU,  p.  39. 

A  story  of  what  they  saw  in  the  sea 
over  the  side  of  the  good  ship  May-flower. 
— Contents.  For  five  boys,  one  girl,  and 
extras.    Short. 

Little    Pilgrim's    progress.      MAE, 
p.  101. 

"A  little  Pilgrim's  history. 

How  at  an  inn  he  came  to  be; 

What  friends  he  made,  what  foes  he  met; 

How  in  the  end  he  was  beset." 

A  short  play  "in  the  manner  of  a  Mor- 
ality," suitable  for  Thanksgiving.  For 
seven  boys  and  five  girls.    Full  directions. 

Little  pink  lady.     BW,  p.   11. 

A  group  of  sober  little  Puritans  test 
the   tradition   that  a   wish   made  on   Mid- 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


61 


summer  Eve  will  be  granted,  and  as  a  re- 
sult of  their  daring  the  little  pink  lady 
on  an  old  fan  comes  to  life  and  leads 
their  frolic.  Not  only  does  she  give  them  a 
glimpse  of  another  world,  but  she  reveals 
the  hiding  place  of  a  letter  which  is 
destined  to  bring  fortune  to  one  of  their 
number. — Story  of  the  play.  For  six  girls. 
Directions  for  costumes  and  setting.  Plays 
about  twenty-five  minutes. 

Little  plant.     WI,  p.  20. 

Wind  and  sun  and  rain  help  the  little 
plant  to  grow.  A  fable  arranged  for  seven 
children  in  primary  grades. 

Little  princess.     BUF. 

"A  play  for  children  and  grown-up  chil- 
dren in  three  acts,"  from  Mrs.  Burnett's 
story  of  Sara  Crewe.  For  fifteen  girls,  six 
boys,  and  extras.  Full  directions.  Plays 
two  hours. 

Little  rebels.     SX,  p.  123. 

Some  little  Boston  lads  find  their  Com- 
mon spoiled  by  British  soldiers  encamped 
there.  They  take  the  matter  to  General 
Gage,  who  orders  that  in  the  future  no 
British  soldier  shall  spoil  the  Boston  boys' 
fun. — Plot  of  the  play.  For  six  boys.  Sim- 
ple suggestions. 

Little  Red-Riding-Hood.  DO,  p.  15. 

The  little  girl  is  saved  from  the  wolf  by 
a  woodcutter.  Simple  version  for  four 
parts. 

Little  Red  Riding-Hood.     HOA,  p. 

7. 

The  well-known  story  of  the  little  girl, 
her  grandmother  and  the  cruel  wolf  ar- 
ranged in  three  short  scenes  for  six  little 
children. 

Little  Red-Riding-Hood.     NI,  p.  3. 

Simple  dramatization  for  second  grade 
children.    For  two  boys  and  three  girls. 

Little  Red  Riding  Hood.    NO,  p.  84. 

A  magic  hood  saves  a  little  girl  from  the 
old  wolf.  Three  short  acts  for  five  little 
children  and  many  extras.    One  song. 

Little  Red  Riding  Hood.     See  also 
Red  Riding  Hood. 

Little  Sorrow.     WI,  p.  112. 

Poem  by  Marian  Douglas.  For  primary 
grades. 


Little  Two-eyes.     HOA,  p.  83. 

How  a  little  goat  helped  a  little  girl  to 
become  a  princess.  Ten  short  scenes  for 
eight  little  children. 

"Little  women"  play.     GOC. 

A  play  arranged  in  two  acts  from  Louisa 
May  Alcott's  story  of  Meg,  Jo,  Beth  and 
Amy.  For  two  boys  and  six  girls.  Illus- 
trated by  Reginald  Birch.  Costumes  sug- 
gested. Full  directions.  Plays  forty-five 
minutes. 

Loki  and  the  gifts.     SCB,  p.  127. 

How  Loki,  the  mischief  maker,  is  pun- 
ished for  cutting  off  Sif's  hair,  and  how  the 
gray  dwarfs  and  the  black  dwarfs  contend 
in  making  wonderful  gifts.  Arranged 
from  H.  W.  Mabie's  Norse  Stories  in  five 
short  scenes  for  thirteen  boys,  two  girls 
and  extras. 

Long   Knives  in   Illinois.     WY,  p. 

151. 

George  Rogers  Clark  and  his  small  com- 
pany of  frontiersmen  seize  Kaskaskia  and 
win  the  French  settlers  to  allegiance  to  the 
United  States.  An  historical  play  in  three 
acts  which  follows  quite  closely  Clark[s 
own  story  of  this  expedition  as  told  in  his 
Memoirs,  his  diary  and  his  letters  to  George 
Mann.  For  sixteen  boys,  eleven  girls  and 
many  extras.  Suggestions  for  costumes. 
Music  for  two  French  songs. 

Lord  Malapert  of  Moonshine  Castle. 

SA,  p.  164. 

"Mistress  Cicely,  from  overmuch  read- 
ing of  fairy  tales,  dreams  more  of  what 
she  would  like  to  be  and  like  to  have  than 
of  what  she  is  and  has.  A  curious  adven- 
ture recalls  her  to  herself  and  shows  her 
that  contentment  is  better  than  wealth, 
and  that  what  we  are  is  often  better  than 
what  we  think  we  should  like  to  be."_  A 
play  in  one  act  for  three  boys,  five  girls, 
and  extras.  Two  songs.  Costumes  de- 
scribed.   Directions  given. 

Lord  Ullin's  daughter.    S,  p.  15. 

Gives  detailed  description  of  the  action 
and  setting  of  this  ballad  and  suggests  four 
others  to  be  acted. 

Lorna  Doone.     WOO,  p.  264. 

R.  D.  Blackmore's  story  of  John  Ridd 
and  the  Doones  of  Bagworthy  arranged  in 
four  acts  for  class  use. 


62 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Lost  prince.     CH,  p.  3. 

A  precious  drug,  the  Herb  of  Truth,  en- 
ables a  banished  queen  to  overcome  a 
magician  and  a  witch,  to  regain  her  throne, 
and  to  find  the  little  Lost  Prince.  In  verse. 
Three  acts.  For  four  older  boys,  three 
older  girls  and  extras.     Directions  given. 

Lost  saint.     GRE,  p.  236. 

A  poor-looking  grey  old  man  prays  that 
Conall,  who  is  not  clever  or  quick,  may 
learn  his  lesson  like  the  other  boys.  The 
wonderful  answer  to  his  prayer  reveals 
that  he  is  the  lost  saint  of  Ireland.  A  one 
act  play  by  Lady  Gregory.  For  eight  or 
more  boys. 

Lost  toys.    PEM,  p,  17. 

Maisie  Leigh,  seeking  for  her  doll,  strays 
into  the  land  reserved  for  all  lost  toys.  She 
finds  the  doll  and  others  of  her  old  toys 
waiting  to  go  with  Father  Christmas  back 
to  the  land  below.  For  six  boys,  two  girls 
and  extras.  Two  songs.  Costumes  de- 
scribed.   Simple  directions. 

Lucky  Hallowe'en.     HX,  p.  120. 

A  play  of  pioneer  days  in  Ohio  and  how 
a  Jack  o'  Lantern,  made  for  a  Hallowe'en 
frolic,  saved  the  frontier  cabin  from  at- 
tack and  capture.  Short  play  in  one  act  for 
three  girls,  two  boys  and  extras.  For  third 
and  fourth  grades. 

Mabel  and  the  green  lizard.     SKB, 
p.  26. 

Mabel  learns  the  animal  call  and  so 
makes  friends  with  a  wolf  in  the  woods. 
Four  short  scenes  for  four  little  children. 

Maccabean  cure.    KR,  p.  55. 

A  play  within  a  play,  chiefly  significant 
to  persons  familiar  with  the  story  of  the 
destruction  of  Antioch  which  the  Jewish 
festival  of  Hanukkah  commemorates.  One 
act.  For  ten  boys  and  three  girls.  Full  di- 
rections. For  Jewish  religious  schools. 
Plays  twenty-five  minutes. 

Mad  tea-party.     KN,  p.  37. 

Alice  calls  it  "the  stupidest  tea  party  I 
was  ever  at  in  all  my  life."  Adapted  from 
Lewis  Carroll's  Alice  in  Wonderland.  For 
four  parts. 

Mad  tea-party.    SK,  p.  151. 
Narrative  from  Lewis  Carroll. 


Mad  tea-party. 
Wonderland. 


See   also   Alice   in 


Maggie  Tulliver's  visit  to  the  gyp- 
sies.    KN,  p.  63. 

How  Maggie  ran  away  to  live  with  the 
gypsies  because  her  brother  Tom  was  angry 
with  her,  and  how  she  came  home  again. 
Adapted  from  George  Eliot's  Mill  on  the 
Floss.    For  two  boys  and  three  girls. 

Magic  bell.    PA. 

The  little  bell  helps  a  poor  girl  to  cure 
the  princess  and  to  defend  herself  against 
the  wicked  Countess  of  Broomstick.  A  fairy 
drama  in  three  acts.  For  nine  boys,  eight 
girls,  and  extras.  Directions  given.  Plays 
forty-five  minutes. 

Magic  chest.    STE. 

"My  golden  star  I  raise, 
A  beacon  in  the  ways 
Of    all    mankind,    where    evils    dread    and 
fearless  prey! 
Look  up!    Behold!    Rejoice! 
Sing  with  accordant  voice; 
For  'tis  my  star — 'tis  Hope !" 

A  musical  play  in  one  act  by  E.  E.  Stock, 
written  and  adapted  from  the  Greek  legend 
of  Epimetheus  and  Pandora.  Music  for 
songs  and  dances.  From  fifteen  to  thirty 
children  may  take  part.  Full  directions  for 
stage  furniture,  costumes  and  presentation. 
Plays  about  one  hour  and  a  half. 

Magic    chest.      See    also    Pandora; 
Paradise  of  children. 

Magic  rose.    CX. 

A  tale  from  Brittany  of  a  magic  rose, 
a  brave  young  man,  an  enchanted  prin- 
cess, three  nights  of  watching,  and  a  bottle 
of  magic  water  which  frees  the  princess 
from  the  ugly  shape  of  a  beast. — Contents. 
Two  acts.  Seven  characters  besides  chil- 
dren, courtiers  and  the  crowd  in  the  mar- 
ket place.  Illustrations  of  costumes  and 
setting.  Property  notes  and  stage  direc- 
tions. 

Magic  sword.     S,  p.  93. 

A  three-act  play  for  toys  and  dolls  and  a 
Fairy  Prince  who  wields  the  sword.  For 
three  boys,  three  girls,  and  extras.  Cos- 
tumes described.     Directions  given. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


63 


Magic  trunk.    MI. 

How  Jack  and  Polly  meet  the  Fairy 
Recompense  and,  through  her,  Santa  Claus 
himself.  A  jolly  Christmas  play  which  was 
awarded  first  prize.  One  act  for  five  boys 
and  four  girls.  Costumes  suggested  and 
directions  given.  Plays  about  forty  min- 
utes. 

Magic  whistle.    N. 

A  play  in  four  scenes  based  on  the  story 
of  a  fisher  lad  who  wins  a  princess.  For 
three  boys,  four  girls,  and  extras.  Simple 
directions. 

Magic  word.     SO,  p.  1. 

Kairam,  selling  vegetables  in  the  market 
place,  is  turned  into  an  ugly  little  dwarf  by 
a  revengeful  witch.  He  recovers  his  own 
shape  through  a  ruse,  and  learns  that  "civil- 
ity costs  nothing."  Two  acts.  For  one  boy, 
three  girls,  and  several  extras.  Illustrations 
suggest  costumes.  Simple  directions.  Plays 
twenty  minutes. 

Magna  carta.     MAB,  second  series. 

King  John  is  compelled  to  listen  to  the 
demands  of  the  barons,  and  sets  his  great 
seal  upon  the  Great  Charter.  One  act.  For 
twenty  boys  and  one  girl.  Costume  illus- 
trations.    Full  directions. 

Magpie's  nest.    SKB,  p.  83. 

Mrs.  Magpie  tells  some  other  birds  how 
she  builds  her  nest.  For  seven  little  chil- 
dren. 

Maid  of  Orleans.     ST,  bk.  5,  p.  24. 

Jeanne,  the  peasant  girl  of  Domremy,  fol- 
lows the  Voices  which  tell  her  that  she  is 
to  save  France.  The  siege  of  Orleans  is 
raised  and  the  power  of  the  English  is 
broken.    Three  acts  for  many  characters. 

Maid  of  Orleans.     See  also  Joan  of 
Arc. 

Maid  of  Plymouth.     SCA. 

A  colonial  play  dramatized  from  Long- 
fellow's Courtship  of  Miles  Standish,  and 
following  closely  the  lines  of  the  poem. 
Eight  scenes  for  seven  boys,  one  girl,  and 
extras.  Costumes  described  and  directions 
given. 

See  also  Courtship  of  Miles  Stand- 
ish; Miles  Standish;  Priscilla, 
Myles  and  John;  Standish  of 
Standish. 


Maiden  and  the  bird.     SKB,  p.  32. 

Poem  by  Lydia  Maria  Child  arranged  for 
two  parts. 

Making  a  flag.    F,  p.  157. 

Three  little  girls  make  a  flag  which  they 
wave  as  Washington's  army  marches 
through  the  streets  of  Philadelphia.  Two 
short  scenes.  For  one  boy,  three  girls  and 
many  extra  boys  as  soldiers.  One  song. 
Simple  directions. 

Making  a  flag.  See  also  First  Amer- 
ican flag;  First  flag;  Making  of 
the  first  American  flag;  Our  first 
flag;  Our  flag. 

Making  of  the  first  American  flag. 
F,  p.  155. 

"One  flag,  one  land,  one  heart,  one  hand, 
one  nation  evermore." 

A  small  boy  and  girl  act  the  parts  of 
George  Washington  and  Mistress  Betsy 
Ross.  Three  very  short  scenes.  Simple 
directions. 

Making  of  the  first  American  flag. 
See  also  First  American  flag; 
First  flag;  Making  a  flag.;  Our 
first  flag ;  Our  flag. 

Making  the  best  of  things.  WI,  p. 
74. 

How  some  hungry  barnyard  fowls  get 
something  to  eat.  By  F.  M.  Fox.  For 
eight  children  in  primary  grades. 

Man  and  the  alligator.  ST,  bk.  3, 
p.  121. 

Brother  Rabbit  repays  Brother  Man's 
favor  by  helping  him  to  escape  from  the 
Alligator.     Two  scenes  for  five  boys. 

Man,  the  boy,  and  the  donkey.    LA, 

p.  21. 

The  boy  rides,  the  man  rides,  both  ride, 
and  the  donkey  rides.  But  the  donkey  falls 
from  the  bridge  and  is  drowned,  and  the 
old  man  and  the  boy  learn  that  to  please 
all  is  to  please  none.  In  narrative  form 
with  helps  for  dramatization. 

Man,  the  boy  and  the  donkey.  See 
also  Miller,  his  son,  and  their 
donkey. 


64 


PLAYS    FOR   CHILDREN 


Man  who  bore  the  burden.     STA, 

p.  263.  » 

General  George  Washington  crosses  the 
Delaware,  defeats  the  British  at  Trenton, 
encamps  with  his  men  at  Valley  Forge,  and 
resigns  his  commission  under  which  he  led 
his  troops  through  "a  perilous  and  doubt- 
ful war."  Three  acts.  For  forty-three 
boys,  sixteen  girls  and  extras,  but  some 
parts  may  be  doubled.    Simple  directions. 

Man  without  a  country.     F,  p.  171. 

"He  loved  his  country  as  no  other  man 
has  ever  loved  her ;  but  no  man  deserved 
less  at  her  hands." 

The  story  of  Philip  Nolan  who  wished 
that  he  might  never  hear  of  the  United 
States  again,  is  dramatized  from  Edward 
Everett  Hale's  narrative.  Three  scenes. 
For  twelve  boys  and  extras.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Man  without  a  country.    LUB,  v.  1, 

p.  3. 

Another  arrangement  in  five  scenes  for 
eight  boys.    For  school  use. 

Man  without  a  country.     ST,  bk.  5, 

p.  304. 

A  dramatic  arrangement  in  three  acts  for 
twenty-three  boys,  six  girls,  and  extras. 

Manhattan  island.    HX,  p.  42. 

How  the  Dutch  bought  Manhattan  island 
from  the  Indians  and  how  New  Amsterdam 
became  New  York.  A  short  play  in  two 
acts  for  third  and  fourth  grade  children. 
For  six  boys  and  many  extras. 

Man's  boot.     LAN,  p.  71. 

"A  man's  boot  has  been  found  in  the 
middle  of  the  forest,  and  all  the  animals 
have  come  together  to  talk  over  what  it 
can  be."    Arranged  for  six  parts. 

Marriage.     GRE,  p.  216. 

For  the  sake  of  Raftery,  a  blind  fiddler, 
neighbors  who  are  passing  by  bring  gifts  to 
the  barren  household  of  a  "new-married 
woman  and  her  husband."  Founded  on 
the  story  of  Raftery,  wandering  poet  of 
Connacht.  A  one-act  play  by  Lady  Gregory. 
For  ten  boys,  four  girls,  and  extras. 

Marriage  of  Wee  Robin.     BRY,  p. 

39. 

How  Wee  Robin  sings  for  the  king  and 
queen  and  finds  Jenny  Wren  for  his  little 
wife.     For  seven  little  children. 


Marriage  of  Wee  Robin.  See  also 
Wedding  of  Robin  Redbreast  and 
Jenny  Wren;  Wee  Robin's  Yule 
song. 

Martin  Chuzzlewit.  See  A  division 
between  friends;  The  falling  out 
of  Mrs.  Gamp  and  Mrs.  Prig;  Mr. 
Jonas  Chuzzlewit  proposes  mar- 
riage; Mr.  Pecksniff's  pleasant 
family  party;  An  unexpected 
meeting. 

Marvelous  pitcher.     MA,  p.  64. 

The  story  of  Philemon  and  Baucis,  and 
of  their  strange  visitors,  who  prove  to  be 
Jupiter  and  Quicksilver.  Arranged  from 
Hawthorne  in  three  acts  for  three  boys  and 
one  girl. 

Marvelous  pitcher.  See  also  Mirac- 
ulous pitcher;  Philemon  and 
Baucis. 

Mary  and  her  lamb.    JO,  p.  66. 

The  old  story  of  the  little  lamb  who  fol- 
lowed Mary  to  school  arranged  in  two 
short  acts  for  six  little  children. 

Masque   of  Beauty  and  the  Beast. 

BUA. 

"How  Beauty  born  of  every  age 
Dares  of  her  faithfulness  and  innocence  . . . 
Restore  her  people  from  a  savage  doom." 

For  six  boys  and  six  girls.  Songs  and 
music.  Costumes  described.  Full  direc- 
tions. 

Masque  of  Beauty  and  the  beast. 
See  also  Beauty  and  the  beast. 

Masque  of  Christmas,  MAD,  p.  117. 

"Peace  upon  the  forest 
Peace  upon  the  field — 
On  this  night,  holy  night 
Joy  shall  be  revealed  !" 

The  quest  for  mirth  and  Christmas  joy 
leads  Erick,  a  Danish  peasant  boy  of 
medieval  days,  to  the  sordid  home  of  the 
Spirit  of  Getting,  then  back  to  his  humble 
home  and  a  tree  laden  with  simple  gifts. 
With  "eyes  that  see  and  ears  that  hear"  he 
now  recognizes  the  Spirit  of  Giving  as  the 
radiant  Spirit  of  Christmas  Joy.  Three 
scenes.  For  five  older  boys,  six  older  girls 
and  many  extras.  Music  suggested.  Cos- 
tumes described.     Directions  given. 


INDEX  TO  PLAYS 


65 


Masque  of  conservation.     MAD,  p. 
69. 

"Ah,  if  each  sparkling  spring  and  wooded 

glade 
Were    ruled    with    wisdom,    their    true 

wealth  would  be 
This  nation's  greatest,  deepest  treasury." 
Freeman,  a  mortal,  is  about  to  sell  his 
timber  land,  when  he  becomes  aware  of  the 
unhappy  little  Dryads  and  decides  to  set 
them  free  by  refusing  to  permit  the  land  to 
be  cleared  ruthlessly.  For  seven  oldef  boys, 
thirteen  older  girls,  and  many  extras.  Cos- 
tumes described.  Music  for  dances  sug- 
gested.    Directions  given. 

Masque  of  Pomona.     MAD,  p.  103. 

"Thou  who  of  love  wilt  have  none, 

Yet  who  lookest  kindly  on 

Strephon  and   Corona. 

For  the  blessing  of  thy  glance 

Weave  we  now  a  harvest  dance 

Oh,  adored  Pomona!" 
Vertumnus,  Guardian  of  the  turning  year, 
wins  the  love  of  Pomona  through  the  coun-' 
sels  of  Camilla,  a  mortal.  For  one  older 
boy,  two  older  girls,  and  many  extras. 
Music  suggested  for  dances  of  shepherds 
and  maidens.  Costumes  described.  Direc- 
tions given. 

Masque  of  the  seasons.    WE. 

"And  so  the  onward  passing  of  the  year, 
Is  like  a  tale  that's  told  —  a  masque 
that's  played 

With  magic  music,  sweet  and  sorrowful; 
A  story  all  of  dreams  and  fantasies." 

First  given  in  Dorset,  England.  The 
number  of  characters  may  be  varied,  the 
principal  parts  being  Father  Time  and  the 
Four  Seasons,  with  a  chorus  of  the  twelve 
months  of  the  year.  Many  songs.  Music 
suggested.     Directions. 

Masque  of  the  woodlands.     HU. 

The  magic  of  Spring  calls  into  being  a 
bit  of  English  woodland,  "where  the  hearts 
of  all  who  come  may  find  fresh  courage 
and  strength,  and  learn  to  see  loveliness  in 
the  simplest  children  of  nature."  Many 
familiar  old  songs  and  madrigals  are  sug- 
gested. Contains  notes  on  costume  and 
stage  setting.  Directions  given.  Plays  one 
hour  and  a  half. 

Masque  or  pageant  of  English  trees 
and  flowers.    HUT. 

Flowers  and  trees  of  the  woodland  of 
England  appear  before  Queen  Elizabeth  and 


"pray  her  graciously  to  choose  as  her  own 
that  flower  which  best  pleaseth  her."  For 
fourteen  girls.     Simple  directions. 

Massasoit's  illness.    TU,  p.  34. 

A  story  of  how  Captain  Winslow  cooked 
some  chicken  broth  without  the  chicken. — 
Contents.  For  four  boys  and  extras.  Very 
short. 

Master  Skylark.     BUG. 

A  dramatization  in  five  acts  by  E.  W. 
Burrill  of  John  Bennett's  story  of  Nick  At- 
wood,  dubbed  Master  Skylark  by  the  mas- 
ter-players, who  take  him  with  them  to 
London,  where  he  sings  before  the  Queen. 
But  the  little  lad  prefers  to  be  at  home 
with  his  mother  in  Stratford  rather  than 
to  stay  at  court.  Will  Shakespeare  is  his 
friend.  May  be  given  by  seven  or  more 
characters,  with  many  extras.  Plays  a  full 
evening. 

Master  Skylark.     LAS,  p.  144. 

Three  short  scenes  from  the  same  story 
for  twelve  boys,  three  girls  and  extras. 
Simple  directions. 

Master  Skylark.    LU,  LUA,  p.  1. 

Eleven  scenes  for  five  boys,  three  girls, 
players,  friends  of  Shakespeare,  boys  of 
singing-school,  and  courtiers.  Simple  di- 
rections.    Plays  forty-five  minutes. 

Master  Will  of  Stratford.     GA. 

"A  mid-winter  night's  dream  in  three  acts 
with  a  prologue  and  an  epilogue."  By 
Louise  Ayres  Garnett.  Titania's  changeling 
babe  stolen  from  her  by  the  Witch  of  Wim- 
ble falls  into  the  hands  of  Will  Shakes- 
peare who  in  turn  loses  it  to  Filch  the 
Pedler.  In  the  merry  frolic  which  ensues. 
Queen  Elizabeth,  Fairies,  Pucks  and  others 
take  part.  For  fifty-three  boys  and  twen- 
ty-five girls,  including  the  morris-dancers 
which  could  be  omitted.  A  rather  compli- 
cated stage-setting  and  mechanism  will  ren- 
der an  amateur  performance  difficult. 

May.     WI,  p.  95. 

Poem  by  Raymond  M.  Alden  arranged 
for  four  children  in  primary  grades. 

May-day.     MAH,  p.  53. 

"Old  wives  think 
That  if  you  sup  and  wish  on  Basil  brew 
That  you  will  surely  have  your  wish  come 
true." 

Two  Puritan  maidens  sip  and  wish  to  see 


66 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


once  more  a  morris  dance,  grow  sleepy  and 
fall  under  a  spell,  while  the  Dream  Folk 
gather  for  a  merry  dance.  One  act.  For 
four  boys,  three  girls,  and  extras.  Music 
suggested.     Directions  given. 

May-day  interlude.    BIS. 

"Old  Winter  grim 
Gives    (slowly  dying)    place  to   Summer 

kind." 
Written  for  the  children  of  Campden, 
England.  Symbolic  and  beautiful.  The 
greater  part  is  song  and  dance.  Airs  for 
songs  indicated.  For  six  boys,  one  girl, 
and  extras.  Costumes  suggested.  Full  di- 
rections. 

Meadowgold.     GL. 

To  Rosemary  is  given  the  Meadowgold, 
"the  gift  of  understanding  all  God's  crea- 
tures, a  gift  given  only  to  those  who  love 
much  both  great  and  small."  A  "fantastic" 
play  for  children  in  three  acts  by  A.  B. 
Glassie,  to  be  given,  if  possible,  out-of- 
doors.  Characters  are  feathered  folk,  in- 
sects, gnomes  and  humans.  For  one  boy, 
four  girls,  and  fourteen  boys  and  girls  as 
extras.  Costumes  described.  Full  direc- 
tions.    Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Melon  thief.    DR,  Dec,  1919,  p.  103. 

From  a  medieval  Japanese  farce  by  Shige- 
yoshi  Obata.  The  persons  of  the  play  are 
two :  a  country  gentleman,  the  melon- 
patch  owner,  and  a  country  fellow,  the 
melon  thief.  The  time :  400  years  ago.  The 
place :  all  over  the  countryside,  including 
the  melon  patch.  Three  scenes.  For  older 
boys  or  adults.  No  stage  setting  neces- 
sary.    Notes  on  production  given. 

Melusine.     BUB,  p.  312. 

Alladine  of  the  dark  tresses  fails  to  win 
the  Count  of  Lusignan  from  his  lovely 
dryad  wife,  Melusine.  In  verse.  Six 
scenes.  For  two  boys,  six  girls  and  extras. 
Directions  for  costumes  and  setting. 

Memorial  Day.    HX,  p.  173. 

The  message  of  the  old  soldiers  to  the 
boys  and  girls  of  America.  One-act  play 
for  third  and  fourth  grade  children,  for 
three  girls,  nine  boys  and  extras. 

Memorial  Day  pageant.     MAF. 

"America,   America, 

God  shed  his  grace  on  thee. 
And  crown  thy  good  with  brotherhood 
From  sea  to  shining  sea!" 

— Kathcrine  Lee  Bates. 


Everything  depends  on  its  being  given 
with  true  patriotic  fervor  and  solemnity. — 
Introductory  note. 

Arranged  for  communities  and  schools 
by  Constance  D'Arcy  Mackay.  Music  sug- 
gested. Full  directions.  Plays  one  hour 
and  fifteen  minutes. 

Merrymount.     MAG,  p.   109. 

"Merrymount 
Where    lived    gay    royalists    who    took    no 

count 
Of  Puritanic  manners,  and  who  sang 
And  laughed  till  all  the  woods  about  them 

rang 
With  outlaw  merriment." 

See  Hawthorne  pageant  of  which  this  is 
a  part.  One  act.  For  eleven  boys,  eight 
girls,  and  extras.  Contains  a  May-pole 
dance.     Full  directions. 

Micawbers  decide  to  emigrate.  LAS, 

p.  136. 

Shows  Mr.  Micawber  on  the  eve  of  cast- 
ing off  the  pecuniary  shackles  that  have  so 
long  enthralled  him  and  of  commencing  a 
new  career  in  a  new  country  where  there  is 
a  sufficient  range  for  his  abilities.  Two 
scenes  from  David  Copperfield.  Characters 
are  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Micawber  and  six  chil- 
dren, Miss  Betsey  Trotwood,  David,  Mr. 
Dick,  and  Traddles.     Simple  directions. 

Micawbers  dine  with  David.     PER, 
p.  21. 

The  gentleman  who  is  "waiting  for  some- 
thing to  turn  up"  finds  that  hope  has  sunk 
beneath  the  horizon,  and  that  he  is  crushed. 
One  scene  from  David  Copperfield  for  four 
boys  and  three  girls.  Five  costume  plates. 
Directions  given. 

A  slightly  different  version  is  given  in 
Short  Plays  from  Dickens,  by  H.  B. 
Browne,  under  the  title  of  Mr.  Micawber's 
Prospects.  This  is  arranged  in  one  scene 
for  three  boys  and  one  girl,  and  plays  twen- 
ty-five minutes. 

Midas  and  Apollo.    COA,  p.  43. 

How  King  Midas  is  given  a  pair  of  asses' 
ears  because  he  favors  Pan's  pipes  rather 
than  Apollo's  lyre.  Three  scenes  for  eight 
boys  and  one  girl. 

Midas  and  Bacchus.    COA,  p.  36. 

The  story  of  King  Midas  and  the  golden 
touch  in  three  scenes  for  four  boys  and  one 
girl. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


67 


Midas  and  Bacchus.  See  also  Golden 
touch;   King  Midas. 

Midsummer  dance  dream.     STC. 

The  heroines  of  Shakespeare  become  tan- 
gled in  the  dreams  of  Justine,  a  college  girl. 
"Each  character  knows  a  few  of  her  own 
lines,  and  a  great  many  of  everybody's  else 
so  that  Hamlet's  soliloquy  turns  into  An- 
tony's funeral  oration,  or  into  Portia's  plea 
for  mercy  for  Antonio,  by  stages  as  natural 
as  the  steps  of  the  dances  themselves." — 
Detroit  Times. 

A  fantastic  comedy  in  one  act  for  ten 
girls  and  extras.     Plays  one  half  hour. 

Miles   Standish.     AS. 

An  adaptation  of  Longfellow's  poem  in 
dialogue  form.  Three  acts.  For  nine  boys, 
two  girls  and  extras.  Music  suggested. 
Simple  directions. 

Miles  Standish.  See  also  Courtship 
of  Miles  Standish;  Maid  of  Ply- 
mouth; Priscilla,  Myles  and  John; 
Standish  of  Standish. 

Milkmaids.     BUB,  p.  13. 

"Milkmaids  all  a-dancing 

In  their  lilac  frocks. 

Cuckoo  flowers  some  call  them. 

Pretty  Lady  Smocks." 
Little  Bridget  follows  mischievous  Jack- 
o-Lantern  to  see  the  milkmaids  dancing  in 
the  water-meadows.  One  act.  For  nine 
boys  and  fifteen  girls.  Includes  songs  and 
dances.  Directions  for  costumes  and  set- 
ting. 

Mill  on  the  Floss.  See  Maggie  Tul- 
liver's  visit  to  the  gypsies;  Mrs. 
Pullet's  new  bonnet. 

Mill  that  ground  hot  porridge.  ST, 
bk.  1,  p.  86. 

Some  elves  who  steal  a  magic  mill  from 
the  fairies  are  punished  because  they  ask  no 
one  to  share  their  porridge.  For  fourteen 
or  more  little  children. 

Miller,  his   son,  and  their  donkey. 

ST,  bk  3,  p.  9. 

The  miller  and  his  son  try  to  please 
everyone,  but  please  no  one  and  lose  their 
donkey  in  the  bargain.  Aesop's  fable  dram- 
atized for  eight  boys  and  six  girls. 


Miller,  his  son,  and  their  donkey. 
See  also  Man,  the  boy,  and  the 
donkey. 

Miller  of  Dee.     G,  p.  138. 

The  story  of  a  miller  who  mounted  old 
Dobbin,  pulled  his  three  children  up  behind 
him  and  was  off  for  a  ride  one  evening,  and 
of  how  a  strange  procession  followed  him. 
In  narrative  and  dramatic  form.  For  four- 
teen parts. 

Miller  of  the  Dee,  LA,  p.  114. 

Poem  by  C.  Mackay. 

Millet  group.    MED,  p.  117. 

A  short  play  for  eight  characters  from 
Millet's  paintings.  The  final  tableau  is  the 
Angelus.  For  three  boys  and  five  girls. 
Full   directions. 

Minister's  dream.    LO,  p.  71. 

As  John  Bradish,  minister  of  the  colony, 
dozes  over  his  sermon-making  he  dreams 
of  the  sinful  sport  of  the  morris-dance  of 
the  harvesters  on  the  green  in  old  England. 
The  next  evening  come  the  harvesters  of 
the  new  land  bearing  great  baskets  of  corn, 
and  Chief  White  Cloud  and  his  braves  with 
offerings  of  game  and  wild  fowl,  and  the 
Governor  proclaims  a  day  of  rejoicing  and 
thanks.  A  Thanksgiving  fantasy  in  two 
scenes  for  six  boys,  seven  girls  and  many 
extras.    Directions. 

Minka's  wedding.     CR,  p.  193. 

Though  betrothed  to  a  young  trades- 
man, Minka  loves  a  Cossack,  and,  aided  by 
her  grandmother,  slips  away  from  her  own 
wedding  feast  to  become  his  bride.  A  Rus- 
sian folk-play  in  two  acts.  For  six  boys, 
five  girls,  and  many  extras.  Includes  songs 
and  dances.     Directions  given. 

Minty-Malviny's    Santa    Claus.      C, 

p.  265. 

Minty-Malviny,  the  little  black  drudge 
of  an  old-time  New  Orleans  boarding  house, 
falls  asleep  on  the  rug  of  a  handsome  sit- 
ting-room, and  waking,  takes  the  owner 
for  Ole  Marse  Santa  Claus  himself.  Her 
faith  inspires  him  to  play  the  part. — Con- 
tents. Adapted  from  a  story  by  M.  E.  M. 
Davis.  One  act.  For  one  boy,  three  girls, 
two  men,  and  one  woman.  Notes  on  cos- 
tume and  presentation.  Plays  twenty-five 
minutes. 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Miraculous  pitcher.     KN,  p.  115. 

The  story  of  the  visit  of  Jupiter  and 
Quicksilver  to  old  Philemon  and  his  wife 
Baucis,  and  the  miracles  wrought  by  them. 
Adapted  from  Hawthorne's  story  in  two 
scenes  for  three  boys  and  one  girl. 

Miraculous  pitcher.    LAS,  p.  25. 

Another  simple  arrangement  for  three 
boys  and  one  girl.     Simple  directions. 

Miraculous  pitcher.  See  also  Mar- 
velous pitcher;  Philemon  and 
Baucis. 

Miss  Burney  at  court.    FRN,  p.  65. 

Sally  Burney  visits  her  sister  Fanny  at 
Windsor  Castle,  entertains  the  King  un- 
awares, and  secures  for  her  sister  release 
from  an  unhappy  position  at  court.  One  act. 
For  three  boys  and  three  girls.  Simple  di- 
rections.   Plays  half  an  hour. 

Miss  Pansy's  May  party.    NO,  p.  49. 

Wild  flowers  and  birds  visit  Aliss  Pansy 
and  meet  her  garden  friends.  For  twenty- 
one  or  more  little  children. 

Miss  Squeers'  tea-party.  BRO,  p. 
26. 

Matilda  Price  and  her  lover,  John  Brow- 
die,  take  tea  with  Fanny  Squeers,  and  see 
the  new  teacher  who  has  come  down  to 
Dotheboy's  Hall  under  most  mysterious 
and  remarkable  circumstances.  One  scene 
from  Nicholas  Nickleby  for  two  boys  and 
two  girls.  Full  directions.  Plays  sixteen 
minutes. 

Nearly  the  same  as  the  fifth  scene  in 
Dotheboy's  Hall,  given  in  Dramatizations 
from  Dickens  by  F.  A.  Comstock. 

Miss  Squeers'  tea-party.  See  also 
Dotheboys  Hall;  Nicholas  Nickle- 
by. 

Mistake  at  the  manor.  FRN,  p.  1. 

Oliver  Goldsmith,  aged  fifteen,  spends  the 
night  at  Featherstone  Manor,  which  he 
mistakes  for  an  inn.  One  act.  For  four 
boys  and  two  girls.  Simple  directions. 
Plays  forty  minutes. 

Mr.  George's  shooting  gallery.  BRO, 

p.  162. 

Grandfather  Smallweed  and  Judy  pay  a 
mysterious  visit  to  the  proprietor  of  the 
shooting-gallery    in    the    neighborhood    of 


Leicester  Square.  One  scene  from  Bleak 
House  for  five  boys  and  one  girl.  Costume 
illustration.  Directions  given.  Plays  thirty- 
two  minutes. 

Mr.  Guppy's  proposal.  BRO,  p.  151. 

"The  young  man  of  the  house  of  Guppy" 
meets  disappointment  when  he  offers  him- 
self to  Esther  Summerson.  One  scene  from 
Bleak  House  for  one  boy  and  one  girl.  Cos- 
tume illustration.  Full  directions.  Plays 
ten  minutes. 

Mr.  Jonas  Chuzzlewit  proposes  mar- 
riage.    PER,  p.  141. 

Miss  Charity  Pecksniff  gives  way  to  hys- 
terics when  Mr.  Chuzzlewit  proposes  to 
her  sister  Mercy  before  her  very  face.  One 
scene  from  Martin  Chuzzlewit  for  two  boys 
and  two  girls.  Four  costume  plates.  Stage 
directions. 

Mr.    Lincoln    and    the    little    girl. 

WAC,  p.  131. 

A  very  short  scene  in  which  a  little  girl 
tells  how  Abraham  Lincoln  shouldered  her 
trunk  and  so  kept  her  from  missing  a  train. 
Costumes  of  1850.  For  three  girls.  Sim- 
ple directions. 

Mr.  Micawber's  prospects.  BRO,  p. 
142. 

For  note  see  Micawbers  dine  with  David. 

Mr.      Pecksniff's     pleasant     family 

party.    BRO,  p.  93. 

"It  is  good  to  feel  that  we  are  met  here 
without  disguise.  It  is  good  to  know  that 
we  have  no  reserve  before  each  other,  but 
are  appearing  freely  in  our  own  characters." 
And  thus  a  quarrel  ensues  among  those  who 
have  designs  on  the  property  of  old  Mr. 
Martin  Chuzzlewit.  One  scene  from  Mar- 
tin Chuzzlewit  for  four  boys  and  five  girls. 
Costume  illustration.  Full  directions.  Plays 
eighteen  minutes. 

Mr.  Pickwick  at  Dingley  Dell.  COD, 

p.  3. 

Ten  scenes  from  Pickwick  Papers :  The 
charge  of  Mr.  Winkle's  gun  goes  in  the 
wrong  direction,  and  Mr.  Tupman  is 
wounded ;  Mr.  Tupman  makes  love  to  Miss 
Wardle  in  the  arbor  and  is  discovered  by 
the  Fat  Boy ;  The  Fat  Boy  tells  Miss  War- 
die's  mother  what  he  saw  in  the  arbor  last 
night  and  is  overheard  by  Mr.  Jingle;  Mr. 
Jingle  tells  Miss  Wardle  of  the  Fat  Boy's 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


69 


treachery  and  ingratiates  himself  with  her; 
Mr.  Jingle  convinces  Mr.  Tupman  that  Miss 
Wardle  wishes  him  to  conceal  his  real  feel- 
ing for  her  for  fear  of  her  brother;  Mr. 
Jingle's  duplicity  is  discovered  when  neither 
he  nor  Miss  Rachel  appear  at  dinner;  Sam 
Weller  polishes  boots  and  shoes  for  the 
lady  and  gentleman  who  arrive  at  the  White 
Hart  in  London;  Mr.  Jingle  and  Miss  War- 
die  breakfast  at  the  White  Hart  and  plan 
an  early  marriage;  A  pair  of  Wellingtons 
a  good  deal  worn  and  a  pair  of  shoes  in 
number  five,  at  the  White  Hart,  betray  the 
runaways  to  Mr.  Wardle,  Mr.  Perker,  his 
solicitor,  and  Mr.  Pickwick,  who  have  come 
in  search  of  them ;  Mr.  Jingle  and  Miss 
Wardle  are  surprised  in  the  private  sitting- 
room  by  the  pursuers,  and  Mr.  Jingle  de- 
cides that  a  hundred  pounds  and  liberty 
are  better  than  Miss  Wardle  and  expecta- 
tion. For  ten  boys,  six  girls  and  extras. 
Directions  given. 

For  a  shorter  version  of  this  episode  see 
Jingle's  Wooing  of  the  Spinster  Aunt  in 
Scenes  from  Dickens  by  G.  Pertwee. 

Mr.  Venus's  shop.    BRO,  p.  163. 

Silas  Wegg  visits  Mr.  Venus,  preserver 
of  animals  and  birds  and  learns  that  Mr. 
Venus's  business  has  interfered  with  his 
success  in  love.  One  scene  from  Our  Mu- 
tual Friend  for  three  boys.  Costume  illus- 
tration. Full  directions.  Plays  eighteen 
minutes. 

Mr.   Wind   and   Madam   Rain.   LA, 
p.  7L 

John  Peter  has  two  strange  visitors  one 
night,  who  bring  to  him  the  good  fortune 
which  he  has  long  desired.  In  story  form 
from  P.  E.  de  Musset's  narrative,  with  helps 
for  dramatization. 

See  also  Chevalier  Jessamine  and  the 
Princess  Eglantine. 

Mistletoe  and  holly.     PEM,  p.  39. 

The  fairies  of  the  Mistletoe  bough  and 

Holly  tree  make  Christmas  happy  for  two 

little  ragged  children.     For  two  boys  and 

three  girls.  One  dance.  Costumes  de- 
scribed.   Simple  directions. 

Mrs.  Bangs's  pies.     KN,  p.  7. 

Tommy  Bangs  and  his  mother  invite  poor 
Mrs.  Barker  and  her  children  to  share  their 
Thanksgiving  dinner.  Adapted  from  What 
the  Seven  Did,  by  Margaret  Sidney.  Two 
scenes  for  three  boys  and  three  girls. 


Mrs.  Comey's  tea  party  for  two. 
PER,  p.  177. 

Mr.  Bumble,  the  beadle,  calls  upon  Mrs. 
Corney,  matron  of  the  workhouse,  and  finds 
an  opportunity  for  joining  hearts  and 
housekeeping.  One  scene  from  Dickens's 
Oliver  Twist  for  one  boy  and  two  girls. 
Two  costume  plates.    Stage  directions. 

Mistress  Mary  gives  a  garden  party. 
GO,  p.  13. 

A  Mother  Goose  play  for  ten  nursery 
rhyme  characters  and  extras  as  Pretty 
Maids,  Cockle  Shells,  and  Silver  Bells.  Two 
short  scenes.  Costumes  suggested  in  uotes 
and  by  photographs.     Directions  given. 

Mistress  Mary's  rose-bush.  NO, 
p.  1. 

Mistress  Mary,  Quite  Contrary,  asks  the 
Mother  Goose  people  to  help  her  plant  a 
rose-bush.  For  seven  little  boys  and  five 
little  girls, 

Mrs.  Murray's  dinner-party.    WAC, 

p.  57. 

How  Mrs,  Murray,  Quakeress,  enter- 
tained the  British  Generals  Howe  and 
Tryon,  treated  them  with  cake  and  wine, 
and  thereby  enabled  General  Putnam  to  re- 
treat from  lower  New  York  to  Harlem 
Heights  in  1776.  Three  acts.  For  eight 
boys  and  seven  girls.  Directions  given. 
Plays  about  one  hour  and  ten  minutes, 

Mrs.  Nickleby  and  the  gentleman 
next  door.     PER,  p.  125. 

Mrs.  Nickleby  receives  her  famous  pro- 
posal of  marriage  from  the  Old  Gentleman 
in  the  small-clothes  who  lives  next  door. 
One  scene  from  Nicholas  Nickleby  for  two 
boys  and  two  girls.  Three  costume  plates. 
Stage  directions. 

A  slightly  different  version  is  given  in 
Short  plays  from  Dickens  by  H.  B.  Browne, 
under  the  title  of  "The  Gentleman  Next 
Door." 

Mrs.  Nickleby  and  the  gentleman 
next  door.  See  also  Gentleman 
next  door. 

Mrs.  Polljrwigs  and  her  wonderful 

waxworks.     LUA,  p.  241. 

A  few  of  the  waxworks  were  bequeathed 
to    Mrs.    Pollywigs    by    her    great-grand- 


70 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


motrier,  Mrs.  Jarley.  With  the  help  of 
Mr.  Thomas  Edison  others  have  been  pro- 
duced. Rip  Van  Winkle,  the  Pied  Piper, 
Little  Jack  Horner,  and  others  appear. 
Costumes  suggested.     Short. 

Mrs.  Poyser  has  her  say  out.     FO, 
p.  35. 

Mrs.  Poyser  angrily  defies  Squire  Don- 
nithorne,  their  landlord,  in  the  matter  of 
the  Chase  farm,  while  Mr.  Poyser  finds  few 
words.  A  scene  from  George  Eliot's  Adam 
Bede,  arranged  for  two  boys  and  three  girls. 
One  costume  plate.     Directions. 

Mrs.  Pullet's  new  bonnet.     FO,  p. 
23. 

Mrs.  Pullet  displays  her  new  bonnet  to 
Mrs.  Tulliver,  and  both  are  overcome  with 
emotion  at  the  thought  that  she  may  never 
wear  it  twice.  A  scene  from  George  Eliot's 
Mill  on  the  Floss,  arranged  for  one  boy  and 
four  girls.     Directions. 

Mrs.    Snagsby's    guests.      BRO,    p. 
157. 

Mr.  Chadband,  "a  vessel  in  the  ministry," 
and  his  wife,  take  tea  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Snagsby,  in  Cook's  Court,  Cursitor  Street. 
One  scene  from  Dickens's  Bleak  House  for 
two  boys  and  three  girls.  Costume  illus- 
tration. Directions  given.  Plays  nine  min- 
utes. 

Mrs.  Tibbs's  boarding-house.  BRO, 
p.  1. 

Mr.  Carlton,  Mr.  Hicks,  and  Mr.  Simp- 
son, inmates  of  the  house,  find  Mrs.  Maple- 
sone  and  her  two  daughters  very  charming, 
and  three  secret  marriages  are  planned. 
Three  scenes  from  sketches  by  Boz  for 
five  boys  and  five  girls.  Costume  illustra- 
tion. Full  directions.  Plays  sixteen  min- 
utes. 

Mrs.  White  Hen's  mistake.     BRY, 
p.  17. 

Mr.  Wise  Owl  is  the  only  one  who  can 
tell  why  the  sun  seems  to  be  in  the  pond. 
For  four  little  children. 

Mocking-bird.     PR,  p.  97. 

The  mocking-bird  who  has  no  note  of 
his  own  is  envious  of  a  little  song-bird.  A 
very  short  dialogue  for  three  little  children. 


Modern  and  medieval  ballad  of  Mary 
Jane.    S,  p.  1. 

A  shadow  play  illustrated  by  silhouettes. 
For  three  boys  and  one  girl.  Full  direc- 
tions. 

Mole  king's  daughter.  N,  p.  29. 

Joseph,  a  young  gardener,  falls  in  love 
with  a  princess  who  has  been  bewitched 
by  a  wicked  magician,  and  changed  into  a 
mole.  For  two  boys,  two  girls,  and  extras 
as  flower  girls  and  merry  moles.  Simple 
directions. 

Months.     RO. 

A  pageant  in  verse  by  Christina  Rossetti 
for  six  boys  and  six  girls  who  personify 
the  months  of  the  year.  At  the  close  the 
twelve  join  hands  in  a  circle  and  dance  a 
stately  measure.  An  analysis  of  this 
pageant  may  be  found  in  How  to  Produce 
Children's  Plays  by  C.  D.  Mackay. 

Moon  in  the  mill  pond.     WI,  p.  9. 

Brother  Rabbit  and  his  friends  go  fishing 
only  to  find  that  the  moon  has  fallen  into 
the  mill  pond.  Adapted  from  a  southern 
folk  tale  for  primary  use.    Five  parts. 

Moon's  silver  cloak.     ST,  bk.  1,  p. 

49. 

How  can  the  sky  make  a  cloak  for  the 
moon  when  she  is  always  changing.  Three 
scenes  for  six  little  children. 

Moses  at  the  fair.     LAS,  p.  80. 

How  Moses  parted  with  the  colt  and 
brought  back  nothing  but  a  gross  of  green 
spectacles  with  copper  rims  and  shagreen 
cases.  A  dramatic  version  of  two  scenes 
from  Goldsmith's  Vicar  of  Wakefield  for 
five  boys  and  three  girls.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Mosses    from    an    old    manse.      See 
Feathertop. 

Mother  Autumn  and   North  Wind. 

SX,  p.  95. 

Autumn  Days  are  busy  attending  to  the 
flowers,  fruit  and  trees.  North  Wind,  a 
little  piper,  comes  in  to  join  them  and  make 
merry;  but  the  Days  do  not  welcome  him; 
they  go  on  with  their  work.  Annoyed  at 
this,  he  blows  so  hard  he  scatters  the  leaves 
in  all  directions  and  causes  general  con- 
fusion and  disturbance  everywhere.  Mother 
Autumn  comes  upon  the  scene  and  orders 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


71 


him  to  leave.  The  result  is,  that  as  soon 
as  she  is  gone,  he  comes  back  and  pipes  a 
tune  which  makes  her  Days  leave  their 
work  and  follow  him.  Mother  Autumn  re- 
turns to  find  her  Days  gone.  King  Winter 
appears  ready  to  take  her  place.  As  soon 
as  Mother  Autumn  explains  to  King  Win- 
ter the  trouble,  he  knows  the  little  piper 
was  North  Wind,  whom  he  allowed  to  leave 
the  cave  on  a  frolic.  King  Winter  offers 
to  return  to  his  cave,  and  make  North 
Wind  pipe  the  Autumn  Days  back.  For 
punishment  North  Wind  will  never  be  per- 
mitted to  leave  King  Winter's  cave  except 
during  the  winter  months. — Plot  of  the 
play.  For  seven  girls,  two  boys  and  extras. 
Simple  suggestions. 

Mother    Goose    alphabet.      DO,    p. 
171. 

Rhymes  from  A  to  Z  about  Mother 
Goose  characters. 

Mother  Goose  operetta.    S,  p.  36, 

Founded  upon  the  story  of  "Bobby  Shaft- 
toe."  For  two  boys,  one  girl  and  extras. 
Peasant  costumes.  Familiar  airs.  Three 
scenes.    Directions  given.     Short. 

Mother  Goose's  party.    HOA,  p.  65. 

Mother  Goose  gives  a  party  for  her  son 
Jack.  Four  short  scenes  for  ten  little  boys 
and  eight  little  girls. 

Mother  HoUe.    See  Two  sisters. 

Mother  Hubbard  and  her  dog.    JO, 
p.  101. 

The  old  story  of  the  old  lady  and  her 
wonderful  dog  arranged  in  five  short  scenes 
for  eight  little  children. 

Mother  Hubbard's  cupboard  party. 
BRY,  p.  67. 

Mother  Goose  boys  and  girls  plan  to 
send  many  things  to  fill  Mother  Hubbard's 
bare  cupboard.  For  eight  little  boys  and 
six  little  girls. 

Mother  Hubbard's  tea  party.     BL, 
V.  1,  p.  5. 

Thirteen  characters  from  Mother  Goose 
meet  at  Mother  Hubbard's  to  discuss  how 
best  they  may  teach  children  the  old  rhymes. 
For  eight  boys  and  six  girls.  Short.  Sim- 
ple directions. 


Mouse's  joke.     BRY,  p.  84. 

Gray  mouse  stays  awake  to  see  Santa 
Claus  fill  the  stockings.  For  two  little  chil- 
dren. 

Mushroom  meadow.    BUB,  p.  1. 

True  Child  visits  the  mushroom  meadow 
on  St.  John's  Eve  to  watch  the  fairies  revel- 
ling and  to  see  the  mushrooms  which  grow 
so  quickly  on  that  night.  In  verse.  One 
act.  For  ten  characters  and  extras.  Full 
directions  for  setting  and  costumes. 

My  Lady's  Yule-Tide.     MY. 

A  Christmas  play  written  with  a  desire 
to  preserve  in  concrete  form,  accessible  to 
children,  the  Christmas  customs  of  Old 
England.  Three  acts  for  six  boys,  five  girls 
and  many  extras.  Carols  and  dances.  Music 
for  two  songs,  and  further  references 
given.     Very  full  directions. 

Napoleon     GOA,  bk.  5,  p.  21. 

Three  short  scenes  for  class-room  use, 
showing  a  consultation  of  English  leaders 
at  Westminster,  the  abdication  of  Napoleon 
at  Fontainebleau,  and  the  meeting  of  the 
British  and  Prussians  after  the  battle  on 
the  field  of  Waterloo.    For  twenty-one  boys. 

Narcissus.     COA,  p.  98. 

The  story  of  the  youth  who  loved  his  own 
reflection  seen  in  a  clear  spring  of  water. 
Six  scenes  for  two  boys  and  eight  girls. 

Narrow  escape.    TU,  p.  131. 

A  story  of  John  Smith  and  Pocahontas. — 
Contents.  For  six  boys  and  one  girl.  Very 
short. 

Narrow  escape.  See  also  John 
Smith;  Pocahontas  and  Captain 
Smith;   Princess  Pocahontas. 

Nathan  Hale.     ST,  bk.  5,  p.  1. 

A  dramatic  arrangement  of  the  story  of 
the  patriot  spy  whose  only  regret  was  that 
he  had  but  one  life  to  lose  for  his  country. 
Four  acts  for  thirty-three  boys,  six  girls, 
and  extras. 

Nation's  stronger  weapon.  LUB,  v. 
2,  p.  25. 

A  pageant  for  school  use  called  also  Edu- 
cation versus  War.  Many  familiar  songs 
and  quotations.  For  five  boys,  four  girls 
and  many  extras. 


73 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


Nativity.     GRE,  p.  244. 

A  woman  from  the  East  and  a  woman 
from  the  West,  each  seeking  pardon,  meet 
at  the  door  of  Bethlehem's  stable,  as  the 
Kings  and  the  shepherds  come  bearing  their 
gifts.  Within  they  find  the  babe  in  the 
manger,  the  King  of  the  World.  Full  of 
the  spirit  of  tradition.  A  one-act  play  by 
Douglas  Hyde.  For  seven  boys,  three  girls 
and  extras. 

Nature  play  in  a  city  school.  LUA, 
p.  153. 

Written  for  the  Burroughs  Nature  Club 
of  two  York  city  schools.  The  characters 
are  members  of  the  club,  children  imper- 
sonating the  books  by  John  Burroughs  and 
Mollie,  a  new  pupil  in  the  school.  For  eight 
girls,  one  boy,  fifteen  book  titles,  the  Spirit 
of  Nature,  and  a  group  of  little  children. 

Necklace.     ST,  bk.  5,  p.  56. 

Mathilde  and  Pierre  work  for  ten  long 
years  to  pay  for  Jeanne's  diamond  necklace 
which  Mathilde  has  lost.  Then  they  learn 
that  it  was  only  paste.  Based  on  Guy  de 
Maupassant's  story  with  this  title.  Three 
acts  for  one  boy  and  nine  girls. 

Necklace  o£  truth.     LA,  p.  109. 

How  the  enchanter  Merlin  helped  Coralie 
to  learn  to  tell  the  truth  by  means  of  a 
beautiful  amethyst  necklace  which  lost  its 
beauty  the  moment  she  uttered  a  falsehood. 
From  the  French  of  Jean  Mace.  In  story 
form  with  helps  for  dramatization. 

Neptune's  isle.     CHA. 

"Here  have  I  drawn  you  by  the  threads 

of  fate. 
Using  no  magic  save  the  elements. 
And  the  strong  natural  magic  of  your- 
selves." 

Through  shipwreck  and  exile  the  vari- 
ous members  of  the  court  of  Troezene  find 
themselves  on  Neptune's  isle,  where  they 
are  brought  together  once  more  and  where 
fortune  again  smiles  upon  them.  A  play  in 
verse,  in  three  acts.  For  eleven  older  boys, 
three  older  girls  and  extras. 

New     citizenship:     a     civic     ritual. 
MAJ. 

A  masque  by  Percy  Mackaye,  to  be  given 
by  foreign-born  people,  to  emphasize  the 
duties,  privileges  and  ideals  of  American 
citizenship.  An  historical  background  is 
created  by  the  introduction  of  speeches  of 


Washington  and  Lincoln  and  by  the  enact- 
ing of  the  signing  of  the  Declaration  of 
Independence.  Folk  dances  of  the  various 
nations  lighten  the  seriousness  of  the  theme. 
The  newcomers  express  their  desire  to  be- 
come citizens  of  the  United  States  and  are 
welcomed  by  Liberty.  An  excerpt  from 
President  Wilson's  address  to  the  new  citi- 
zens at  Philadelphia  on  May  10,  1915,  is 
given,  and  all  depart  singing  "America." 
For  any  number  of  persons. 

New    citizenship.      See    also    Little 
citizens  making  a  new  America. 

New  New  Year.     SX,  p.  227. 

The  New  Year  decides  to  be  entirely  dif- 
ferent from  all  preceding  New  Years.  He 
is  going  to  please  the  children  by  giving 
them  all  kinds  of  weather  at  once.  Then 
they  may  choose  the  kind  of  weather  they 
like  best.  The  New  Year  calls  in  all  the 
months  and  tells  them  to  begin  work  at 
once  and  all  together.  They  do  so  and  the 
result  is  that  the  weather  changes  many, 
many  times  a  day.  The  children  are  very 
much  disappointed  and  the  New  Year  is 
obliged  to  change  his  plan  to  the  natural 
order  of  things. — Plot  of  the  play.  For 
ten  boys  and  nine  girls.  Simple  sugges- 
tions. 

New  Red  Riding-hood.     SA,  p.  224. 

A  one-act  play  in  rhyme  which  "shows 
that  wolves  are  just  as  designing,  little  girls 
just  as  heedless  and  helpful,  and  the 
chances  of  rescue  just  as  possible  today  as 
at  the  time  of  the  original  Red  Riding- 
hood."  For  two  boys  and  one  girl.  Direc- 
tions given. 

New  Year.     BL,  v.  2,  p.  22. 

The  New  Year  calls  the  little  months  in 
turn,  that  each  may  learn  to  keep  its  proper 
season.  For  thirteen  boys  or  girls.  Short 
Costumes  described.     Simple  directions. 

New  Year.    SKB,  p  73. 

The  Old  Year  tells  the  New  Year  some 
of  the  things  he  will  have  to  do.  Adapted 
from  Laura  E.  Richards  for  two  little  chil- 
dren. 

News.     LAN,  p.  131. 

How  a  faithful  steward  broke  bad  news 
to  his  master.  An  English  droll  arranged 
for  two  parts. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


73 


Nicholas  Nickleby.     LAS,  p.  94. 

A  very  short  scene  from  Dickens's  story, 
showing  Dotheboys  Hall,  where  Mr. 
Squeers  demonstrates  his  theories  of  edu- 
cation. For  five  boys,  one  girl,  and  extras. 
Simple  directions. 

Nicholas  Nickleby.  See  also  Dothe- 
boys Hall;  Gentleman  next  door; 
Miss  Squeers'  tea-party;  Mrs. 
Nickleby  and  the  gentleman  next 
door. 

Nick  Bluster's  trick.     SX,  p.  1. 

The  King  of  Winter  sends  word  to  the 
Queen  of  Spring  that  his  reign  is  ended. 
The  Queen  and  her  handmaidens  meet  in 
Sweetbriar  Dell  to  make  spring  blossoms 
for  the  children's  May  Day  pageant.  Nick 
Bluster  and  Jack  Frost  hide  in  the  Dell, 
spring  out  and  tease  the  flower  makers. 

To  punish  these  tricksters  the  Queen  de- 
clares there  shall  be  no  spring.  She  orders 
her  maidens  to  withdraw  from  the  sunshine 
and  stay  with  her  in  South  Breeze's  cave. 
Nick  Bluster  and  Jack  Frost  play  another 
trick  in  order  to  draw  the  Queen  and  her 
helpers  from  the  cave.  Then  the  little 
clowns  beg  the  Queen's  pardon  and  ask  her 
to  forgive  them  for  the  sake  of  the  little 
children  who  will  grieve  if  they  have  no 
Spring  flowers.  The  Queen  pardons  Nick 
and  Jack,  who  hasten  away  to  the  North- 
land to  join  King  Winter. — Plot  of  the 
play.  For  two  boys  and  six  girls.  Simple 
suggestions. 

Night  before  Christmas.  OL,  p. 
173. 

This  is  the  story  of  Hans  and  Rita  who 
gave  of  their  simple  fare  to  a  worn  old 
wanderer  on  Christmas  Eve.  And  it  tells 
how  they,  trudging  through  the  snow,  find 
helpless^  a  woman  and  her  babe  seeking 
refuge  in  an  inn,  and  last  it  tells  how  the 
Christmas  Child  was  waiting  for  them  in 
the  forest  beneath  the  Christmas  evergreen. 
— Program.  A  "play  of  love"  in  two  acts 
for  two  boys  and  three  girls.  Costume  de- 
signs and  simple  directions. 

Night  watch.    GX,  p.  15. 

A  fisherman's  wife  waits  through  a  long, 
stormy  night  for  her  husband's  return.  The 
Three  Strangers  who  wait  with  her  are  the 
forebodings  and  doubts  that  come  in  a 
lonely  watch.    They  vanish  as  if  they  had 


not  been  when  the  anxiety  is  over.     One 

act  for  five  persons. 

Nimble-wit  and  Fingerkin.     MAE, 
p.  77. 

With  the  aid  of  Try,  Nimblewit,  and  the 
five  little  Fingerkins,  Katinka  makes  her 
escape  from  Dame  Difficulty's  house.  One 
act.  For  six  boys  and  three  girls.  Full 
directions.     Plays  twenty-five  minutes. 

Ninepin  club.    HA,  p.  53. 

Nine  thoughtless  boarding-school  girls 
refuse  to  make  Alice,  a  classmate,  a  member 
of  their  club.  Their  teacher,  Miss  Foster, 
in  the  guise  of  Granny  Playfair,  helps  them 
to  see  their  selfishness,  and  they  change 
their  name  to  the  Tenpin  club.  One  act  for 
eleven  girls  and  twenty  little  children.  Di- 
rections. 

Nino's  revenge.    DU,  p.  199. 

Lucia,  a  child  of  gentle  birth,  is  stolen  in 
revenge  by  Ninig,  and  grows  up  in  a  brig- 
and's camp.  She  flees  from  Nino,  is  re- 
stored to  her  mother,  and  finds  again  her 
lover,  a  noble,  who  thought  her  only  a 
flower  girl  of  Naples.  A  four-act  play 
written  in  verse.  For  three  boys  and  two 
girls.  Music  for  Requiem.  Costumes  sug- 
gested.     Directions    given. 

Niobe.    COA,  p.  106. 

How  Niobe,  queen  of  Thebes,  loses  her 
seven  sons  and  seven  daughters  because  of 
boastful  pride,  and  how,  grieving,  she  is 
turned  to  stone.  Three  scenes  for  one  boy 
and  seven  girls. 

North  Wind  at  play.     BRY,  p.  33. 

North  Wind's  play  is  too  rough  for  the 
lily,  the  apple  and  the  grain.  Arranged  for 
five  parts. 

North  Wind  at  play.    WI,  p.  23. 

Narrative  form  for  primary  grades. 

Nottingham  shooting  match.   SKC^ 

p.  154. 

Robin  Hood,  as  an  unknown  yeoman 
from  Middlesex,  wins  the  prize  _  in  the 
"greatest  archery  contest  ever  held  in  Not- 
tinghamshire." Five  scenes.  For  ten  boys, 
three  girls,  and  extras  as  archers  and  vil- 
lage folk.  Simple  directions.  May  be  de- 
veloped elaborately.  Illustrations  suggest 
costumes. 


74 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Oak  and  the  reed.    PR,  p.  2L 

A  reed  which  sees  a  poor  old  oak  torn  up 
by  the  north  wind  feels  that  it  is  better 
after  all  to  bend  than  to  break.  For  three 
little  children. 

Odd  man  and  the  dog  True.     SKB, 

p.  14. 

Little  dog  True  guards  a  great  bag  full 
of  gold  so  that  the  ogre  cannot  steal  it 
from  the  Odd  man.  For  three  little  chil- 
dren. 

Odyssey.     SI,  first  year,  p.  58. 

Episodes  arranged  for  High  School  use 
from  Butcher  and  Lang's  translation  from 
Homer.  Two  scenes:  Telemachus  at  the 
palace  of  Menelaus;  and  Hermes's  visit  to 
Calypso.  For  six  boys  and  three  girls. 
This  is  followed  by  an  arrangement  of  ten 
tableaux  planned  to  suggest  the  story  of 
the  Odyssey. 

Odyssey.    See  also  Return  of  Odys- 
seus. 

Old  Billy.    SK,  p.  54. 

An  old  goat  defends  himself  against  a 
lion  and  a  jackal.  A  Hindoo  tale  in  nar- 
rative form. 

Old   curiosity   shop.     LAS,   p.    115. 

Miss  Alonflather  tells  Little  Nell  how 
naughty  it  is  to  be  a  wax-work  child ;  and 
Mr.  Morton,  the  new  schoolmaster,  becomes 
acquainted  with  his  boys.  Two  scenes  from 
Dickens's  story  for  four  boys,  three  girls, 
and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

See  also  Dick  Swiveller  and  the  Mar- 
chioness. 

Old  man  and  his  grandson.    ST,  bk. 

3,  p.  3. 

Little  Hans  shames  his  father  and  mother 
for  their  treatment  of  the  old  man.  For 
three  boys  and  one  girl. 

Old    Tight-Wad    and    the    Victory 

Dwarf.     PAA,  p.  185. 

A  dialogue  in  which  the  patriotic  Victory 
Dwarf  converts  the  old  miser. — Contents. 
For  two  boys.  Costumes  suggested.  Sim- 
ple directions.     Short. 

Old  toys,  SY,  p.  97. 

A  midnight  quarrel  between  Sylvia's  old 
toys  and  the  new,  as  they  all  come  alive,  is 
happily    settled    by    the    Christmas    angel, 


Peace.  The  spirits  of  the  allied  nations  are 
drawn  to  the  spot  by  the  words  of  Thomas 
Atkins,  a  khaki  doll.  The  play  ends  as  the 
toys  go  back  to  their  cupboard,  Sylvia 
creeps  back  into  bed,  and  the  sound  of  a 
Christmas  Carol  is  heard  outside.  For  four 
boys,  five  girls,  and  other  children  repre- 
senting the  allied  nations. 

Oliver  Twist.  See  Mrs.  Corney's 
tea-party  for  two ;  Oliver  Twist  in 
Fagin's  den. 

Oliver  Twist  in  Fagin's  den.  PER, 
p.  189. 

Bill  Sikes  and  Fagin  plan  to  make  Oliver 
help  them  in  the  robbery  at  Chertsey,  and 
Fagin  exults  that  Oliver  is  now  really  his. 
One  scene  from  Dickens's  Oliver  Twist  for 
five  boys  and  one  girl.  Five  costume  plates. 
Stage  directions. 

On  a  plantation,  1863.  WAC,  p. 
145. 

A  short  scene  in  which  Sambo  who  was 
sold  "down  de  ribber"  comes  back  to  see 
his  Ole  Mammy,  and  to  tell  about  "de 
mancipation  proclamation."  Three  songs. 
For  three  boys,  five  girls,  and  extras.  Cos- 
tumes suggested.     Simple  directions. 

On  All  Souls'  eve.    OL,  p.  115. 

Godfrey,  the  little  lame  lad,  is  carried  to 
the  fairy  green  by  Blackfoot  the  cottage  cat. 
Alas !  there  is  sorrow  in  Fairyland  because 
the  magic  ring  of  the  fairy  Queen  has  been 
stolen.  The  fays  weeping  wildly,  search 
for  the  gem.  Graybeard,  the  dwarf,  peers 
anxiously  among  the  ferns  and  bushes — 
while  the  Old  Witch  vainly  mutters  her 
charms  over  her  steaming  caldron.  Then 
Godfrey  spies  the  ring  glistening  in  the 
beak  of  the  wicked  Owl  and  behold,  the 
Queen  gives  him  the  fairy's  gift  of  thanks, 
and  he  stands  a  strong  little  peasant  lad, 
that  All  Souls'  eve ! — Program.  A  "play  of 
wonders"  in  two  acts  for  four  boys,  two 
girls,  and  "other  Imps,  and  Sprites  and 
Gnomes  who  live  in  Fairy-land."  Costume 
designs  and  simple  directions. 

On  Christmas  Eve.     MAE,  p.  143. 

Ten  friends  from  the  land  of  books,  like 
Wendy  and  Crusoe,  come  to  pay  a  Christ- 
mas Eve  visit  to  the  Little  Girl.  One  act. 
For  five  boys  and  six  girls.  Full  directions. 
Plays  twenty  minutes. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


75 


On  whom  was  the  joke?     LUB,  v. 

1,  p.  88. 

The  boys  who  would  not  study  their 
history  when  they  thought  it  was  work, 
studied  it  better  than  ever  when  they 
thought  it  was  fun.  Two  scenes.  For 
Father  Time,  boys  in  school  class,  and 
historical  characters. 

One-eyed  servant.     SX,  p.  109. 

Sally  is  discontented.  She  envies  Polly, 
who  lives  in  a  neat  cottage  across  the  fields. 
A  strange  little  man  appears  and  offers  to 
get  Sally  a  servant  who  will  work  well  and 
bring  thrift  into  the  family.  The  little 
man's  reward  must  be  a  bowl  of  curds  set 
in  a  very  tidy  kitchen.  In  a  few  days  the 
stranger  comes  to  Sally's  cottage  and  brings 
her  the  thrifty  one-eyed  servant. — Plot  of 
the  play.  Adapted  from  a  story  by  Jean 
Ingelow.  For  one  boy  and  one  girl.  Simple 
suggestions. 

One  little  feather.    SK,  p.  29. 

The  story  of  how  a  little  white  hen  loses 
a  feather  grows  in  repetition  until  the  tale 
is  told  that  she  has  plucked  out  all  her 
feathers.  Suggested  by  Andersen's  story 
of  It  Is  Quite  True.    In  narrative  form. 

One  minute  at  a  time.    LAN,  p.  51. 

The  pendulum  which  stops  because  it  is 
so  tired  ticking  is  persuaded  by  the  other 
parts  of  the  clock  that  it  is  only  necessary 
to  do  one  stroke  at  a  time.  From  Jane 
Taylor's  Discontented  Pendulum.  For 
eight  children. 

One  way   to   capture  a  fort.     HX, 

p.  111. 

How  George  Rogers  Clark  captured  a 
British  fort  by  a  clever  strategy,  and 
thereby  won  a  great  tract  of  land  bordering 
the  Mississippi  River  for  the  United  States. 
One-act  play  for  third  or  fourth  grade  chil- 
dren.    For  five  boys  and  extras. 

Oneida's  dreams.     OLA,  p.  123. 

The  Weaver  of  Dreams  summons  the 
Dream  Maids  of  the  World  to  teach  Oneida 
how  the  women  of  today  are  fulfilling  their 
duties  and  responsibilities  to  their  country. 
— Program.  "A  play  of  the  Camp  Fire"  in 
one  act  for  one  boy  and  six  girls.  Costume 
designs  and  simple  directions. 

Only  a  girl.    HX,  p.  115. 

How  the  bravery  of  one  girl  saved  the 
blockhouse   from    capture   by   the    Indians. 


An  incident  of  the  Revolution.  One-act 
play  for  third  or  fourth  grade  children. 
For  four  boys,  one  girl,  and  many  extras. 

Opposite  end  of  the  world.  RE, 
April,  1918,  p.  57. 

A  masque  of  the  Junior  Red  Cross  for 
the  Children  of  the  Garden,  the  War  chil- 
dren. Mother  Goose  people.  Fairy  tale  peo- 
ple. Children  of  the  Crusades,  the  Happi- 
ness of  Home,  Day  dreams  of  childhood, 
and  Children  of  the  Red  Cross.  Directions 
are  given.  The  masque  has  been  set  to 
music  by  the  music  department  of  Vassar 
college,  from  which  the  score  may  be  ob- 
tained. 

Orpheus  and  Eurydice.  CO  A,  p.  175. 

Orpheus  descends  to  the  world  of  spirits 
and,  playing  upon  his  lyre,  begs  Pluto  to 
give  back  to  him  his  beloved  wife,  Eury- 
dice. Pluto  consents,  but  when  they  have 
almost  reached  the  upper  world,  Orpheus 
forgets  Pluto's  command,  looks  back,  and 
loses  her  forever.  Three  scenes  for  two 
boys  and  four  girls. 

Our  choice.     LUA,  p.  171. 

A  girl  graduate  sits  at  the  fairies'  cross- 
roads looking  down  the  paths  to  the  four 
seasons  in  order  to  choose  the  happiest, 
when  Mother  Nature  comes  to  her  to  ad- 
vise that  she  sit  quietly  by  and  each  in  its 
turn  will  come  to  her.  For  six  principal 
characters  and  extras.     Short. 

Our  country   and  our  flag.     LUB, 

V.  2,  p.  142. 

A  patriotic  class  exercise  for  flag-captain 
and  thirteen  speakers. 

Our  first  fla^g.    HX,  p.  81. 

How  Betsy  Ross  makes  the  flag  with  the 
five-pointed  stars.  A  very  short  play  in  two 
acts  for  third  or  fourth  grade  children. 
For  three  boys  and  two  girls. 

Our  first  flag.  See  also  First  Amer- 
ican flag;  First  flag;  Making  a 
flag;  Making  of  the  First  Amer- 
ican flag;  Our  flag. 

Our  flag.    LUB,  v.  1,  p.  173. 

A  school  exercise  consisting  of  two  short 
scenes  showing  how  our  flag  was  planned 
in  Cambridge  and  made  in  Philadelphia, 
followed  by  tributes  to  the  flag  by  nine 
speakers  and  closed  by  the  singing  of  the 


76 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Star    Spangled   Banner.     The   two   scenes 
call  for  eight  boys  and  three  girls. 

Our  flag.  See  also  First  American 
flag;  First  flag;  Making  a  flag; 
Making  of  the  first  American 
flag;  Our  first  flag. 

Our  mutual  friend.  See  At  "J^^^y 
Wren's";  Bella  Wilfer's  return; 
Mr.  Venus's  shop;  Silas  Wegg's 
stall. 

Over  the  hill.     SKB,  p.  174. 

Poem  by  George  Macdonald  arranged  for 
two  parts. 

Over  the  hills  and  far  away.     DR, 

Dec,  1920,  p.  80. 

A  Mother  Goose  play  in  three  acts  by 
Florence  Kiper  Frank.  Costumes  and  set- 
tings by  Norman-Bel  Geddes.  The  play 
ends  as  King  Cole  and  his  queen  recover 
their  children  stolen  ten  years  before  by 
the  Old  Woman  who  lived  in  the  Shoe. 
Afifords  opportunity  for  elaborate  produc- 
tion if  desired.  For  sixteen  or  more  char- 
acters.    Directions. 

Owl  and  Grasshopper  green.  SKB, 
p.  19. 

The  owl  finds  a  way  to  stop  the  grass- 
hopper's song.  A  very  short  dialogue  for 
two  little  children. 

Pageant  of  hours.     MAE,  p.  129. 

"Hidden  well  by  trees  and  flowers 
'Tis  the  Garden  of  the  Hours !" 

Here  a  child  watches  and  listens  as  the 
Hours  pass  by  and  tell  of  the  gifts  they 
bring.  For  fourteen  girls.  Grecian  cos- 
tumes.    Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Pageant  of  patriots  (Indoor)  MAG, 
p.  105. 

The  "Nation's  youth"  is  seen  portrayed 
in  nine  scenes  and  a  prologue.  From  fifty 
to  two  hundred  boys  and  girls  from  six  to 
eighteen  years  of  age.  Some  of  the  actual 
words  of  Lincoln,  Washington  and  Frank- 
lin are  used  in  the  dialogue.  Full  direc- 
tions. 

Pageant      of      patriots      (Outdoor) 

MAG,  p.  7. 

"Youthful  the  scenes  that  we  shall  here 
devise 


On    which    the    beads    of    history    are 
strung." 

The  first  children's  patriotic  pageant  ever 
given  in  America.  From  two  hundred  to 
five  hundred  boys  and  girls  from  eight  to 
eighteen  years  of  age  are  needed  for  the 
full  production.  Consists  of  a  Prologue 
and  eight  episodes  from  American  history. 
Full  directions. 

Pageant   of   sunshine   and    shadow. 
MX. 

Little  Ellen  has  a  dream  in  which  Knowl- 
edge, Joy  and  Play  contend  with  Greed, 
Fatigue  and  Ignorance.  When  Public  Opin- 
ion summons  Legislation  and  strikes  off  his 
chains  the  Children  of  the  Shadow  are 
made  free  and  become  Children  of  the  Sun- 
shine. For  thirteen  children  and  extras. 
Directions  given.  May  be  used  only  for  the 
benefit  of  the  National  Child  Labor  Com- 
mittee. 

Pageant  of  the  Illinois  country.  RY. 

Five  parts :  The  courage  of  Tonty ;  The 
freeing  of  Illinois;  Battling  against  slav- 
ery ;  The  fringe  of  flame ;  the  West's  first 
shot.  A  sixth  part  is  suggested  for  pre- 
senting a  scene  from  the  local  history  of 
the  community  using  the  pageant  for  the 
celebration  of  the  centennial  of  Illinois. 
For  many  characters.     Directions. 

Pandora.    COA,  p.  3. 

How  a  swarm  of  ugly  Troubles  are  let 
loose  when  Pandora  opens  a  forbidden  box, 
and  how  Hope,  also  released,  is  to  make 
amends  for  them.  Two  scenes  for  five  boys 
and  three  girls. 

Pandora.     DU,  p.   157. 

"For  all  things  are  made  possible  through 
Hope." 

A  two-act  play  in  verse  for  two  older 
boys  and  two  older  girls.  One  song.  Cos- 
tumes suggested.     Directions  given. 

Pandora.     SK,  p.   166. 
In  narrative  form. 

Pandora's  box.     KN,  p.   125. 

.Another  version  of  the  same  story  adapt- 
ed from  Hawthorne's  Paradise  of  Children 
and  arranged  for  one  boy  and  two  girls. 

Pandora.      See    also    Magic    chest; 
Paradise  of  children. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


77 


Paradise  of  children.    BUB,  p.  91. 

A  one-act  play  with  full  directions. 

Paradise  of  children.    FRC. 

The  story  of  Pandora  (see  above),  ar- 
ranged from  Hawthorne's  Paradise  of  Chil- 
dren by  members  of  the  fifth  grade  of  the 
Francis  W.  Parker  School,  Chicago.  Char- 
acters are  Quicksilver,  Hope,  Epimetheus, 
Pandora,  Troubles.  One  act.  Simple  di- 
rections. 

Paradise  of  children.    LAS,  p.  11. 

Another  arrangement  in  three  scenes  for 
one  boy  and  two  girls.     Simple  directions. 

Paradise  of  children.    MA,  p.  51. 

The  same  story  arranged  in  one  act,  with 
prologue  and  epilogue,  for  one  boy  and  two 
girls. 

Paradise  of  children.  See  also  Magic 

chest;  Pandora. 

Passing  of  Hiawatha.    H,  p.  97. 

"Fare  you  well,  O  much-loved  people, 
As  I  pass  you  will  pass  also 
When  the  Sunset  Spirits  call  you." 
A  play  in  one  act  for  thirteen  boys,  four 
girls,  and  extras.     Includes  dances.     Cos- 
tume illustrations.    Directions  given. 

Paul  Revere's  ride.     HX,  p.  66. 

How  Paul  Revere,  minute  man,  spread 
the  alarm  from  Boston  to  Concord.  A 
short  play  in  one  act  for  four  boys  and 
others  in  the  third  or   fourth  grade. 

Peace  egg.    See  Three  little  Christ- 
mas waits. 
Pearl  in  Coral  Hall.     BUB,  p.  151. 

The  King  of  Coral  Hall  fails  to  win  as 
his  bride  the  earth  maiden.  Pearl,  who  has 
fallen  into  the  sea.  In  verse.  One  act. 
For  four  boys,  three  girls,  and  a  chorus 
of  nymphs.  Includes  a  number  of  songs. 
Directions  for  costumes  and  setting. 

Peasie  and  Beansie.    LAN,  p.  75. 

A  Punjab  story  of  a  hard,  quarrelsome 
elder  sister,  and  a  kind,  agreeable  younger 
one  who  was  also  a  most  dutiful  daughter. 
In  narrative  form. 

Pen  and  the  inkstand.     ST,  bk.  4, 

p.  1. 

Whether  the  poet  gets  his  poems  from 
one  or  the  other  is  a  subject  for  quarrel 
between  them.    For  eight  or  more  children. 


Persephone.     ST,  bk.  4,  p.  98. 

"When  Springtime  comes,  with  breezes 
blowing. 

There's  brightest  sunshine  softly  glow- 
ing; 

Then  turtle-doves  begin  to  coo ; 

Then  skies  take  on  a  brighter  blue, 

When  Springtime  comes,  when  Spring- 
time comes." 

Persephone  is  carried  away  to  Pluto's 
realm,  but  returns  to  restore  Spring  to  the 
barren  earth.  Three  scenes  for  six  boys, 
six  girls,  and  many  extras.  Plays  forty- 
five  minutes. 

Persephone.    See  also  Pomegranate 
seeds;  Proserpina. 

Perseus.    BUB,  p.  357. 

Arranged  and  adapted  from  Kingsley's 
Heroes.  Three  acts.  For  eight  boys,  ten 
girls  and  extras.  Directions  for  costumes 
and  setting.  Plays  about  an  hour  and  a 
half. 

Perseus  and  Andromeda.     COA,  p. 
128. 

How  Perseus  finds  the  maiden  Andro- 
meda chained  to  a  rock,  and  how  he  saves 
her  from  the  sea  monster  about  to  devour 
her.  Two  scenes  for  four  boys  and  two 
girls. 

Perseus  and  Atlas.    COA,  p.  125. 

How  inhospitable  Atlas,  hugest  of  men, 
is  turned  by  Perseus  into  a  mountain.  One 
short  scene  for  two  boys. 

Perseus  and  Medusa.    COA,  p.  118. 

The  story  of  Perseus's  quest  for  the  Gor- 
gon's head,  and  of  how  Polydectes  and  his 
courtiers  are  turned  to  stone.  Three  scenes 
for  ten  boys  and  one  girl. 

Perseus  and  Medusa.    See  also  Gor- 
gon's head. 

Peter  and  the  magic  goose.     NI,  p. 

15. 

Simple  dramatization  of  the  story  of  the 
Golden  Goose  for  second  grade  children. 
For  eight  boys,  three  girls,  and  extras. 

Peter  Grief.     BUB,  p.  251. 

A  "moral  play"  concerning  the  Pluperfect 
family,  and  the  marvelous  change  brought 
about  in  their  behavior  by  the  supernatural 
being,    Peter    Grief.     One    act.     For   two 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


boys  and  seven  girls.     Directions  for  cos- 
tumes and  setting. 

Peter  the  Great's  school.  ST,  bk. 
4,  p.  45. 

The  wicked  schemes  of  the  princess 
Sophia  to  gain  the  crown  are  brought  to 
naught  by  Peter's  energy  and  diligence,  and 
the  nobles  decide  to  make  him  Emperor  of 
Russia  without  delay.  Two  scenes  for 
eleven  boys  and  one  girl. 

Phaethon.     COA,  p.  23. 

Phoebus  reluctantly  permits  Phaethon  to 
guide  his  fiery  chariot  for  one  day's  journey 
through  the  sky.  Four  scenes  for  five  boys 
and  one  girl. 

Philemon  and  Baucis.     COA,  p.  50. 

Jupiter  and  Mercury  visit  the  humble 
home  of  Philemon  and  Baucis,  partake  of 
their  hospitality,  and  promise  them  that 
death  shall  not  divide  them.  For  three  boys 
and  one  girl. 

Philemon  and  Baucis.  See  also 
Marvelous  pitcher;  Miraculous 
pitcher. 

Piccola.    NO,  p.  104. 

A  little  chimney  swallow  in  Piccola's 
wooden  shoe  seems  to  her  good  Santa's 
Christmas  gift.  Three  short  acts  for  eight 
little  girls. 

Pickwick  papers.  See  BardelJ  v. 
Pickwick;  Bob  Sawyer's  supper 
party;  Jingle's  wooing  of  the 
spinster  aunt ;  Mr.  Pickwick  at 
Dingley  Dell;  Sam  Weller  and 
the  Bath  footmen. 

Piece  of  cheese.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  10. 

White  cat  and  black  cat  quarrel  over  a 
piece  of  cheese,  and  monkey  undertakes  to 
be  judge.     For  three  little  children.     Short. 

Pied  piper.     DO,  p.  130. 

This  and  the  following  plays  are  from 
the  poem  by  Robert  Browning,  in  which  a 
piper  plays  the  rats  away,  but  is  refused 
his  reward  by  the  men  of  Hamelin.  Then 
he  pipes  another  tune,  and  Hamelin  loses 
its  children.  A  very  simple  arrangement 
for  seven  children  and  any  number  of  ex- 
tras. 


Pied  piper.     HOA,  p.  56. 

Two  short  scenes  for  fifteen  little  boys. 
Pied  piper.    BUB,  p.  301. 

Characters :  The  pied  piper,  Mayor  of 
Hamelin,  Corporation  of  Hamelin,  citizens, 
rats,  cats,  dogs,  boys  and  girls  of  Hamelin, 
halberdiers,  and  the  poet,  himself.  Plays 
one  hour.     Full  directions. 

Pied  piper.    STF. 

The  entire  action  of  the  play  takes  place 
in  the  council  chamber  in  the  town  hall  of 
Hamelin.  Whenever  possible  the  exact  lines 
of  the  poem  have  been  used.  One  act.  Cast 
requires  for  from  twenty  to  fifty  children. 
Detailed  description  of  stage  plan,  fur- 
niture, and  costumes  with  illustrations  and 
cost.  Music  for  choruses  and  dances  given. 
Plays  forty  minutes. 

Pied   piper   of   Hamelin.     DUN,   p. 
135. 

"He   smiles   a   little  smile 
As  if  he  knew  some  magic  sleeps 
In  his  quiet  pipe  the  while." 
A    simple    dramatization    in    two    scenes. 
For    three    boys,    townspeople,    councilmen, 
and  children.     Simple  directions. 

Pied  piper  of  Hamelin.    G,  p.  51. 

In  both  narrative  and  dramatic  form. 
Two  scenes  for  sixteen  boys  and  extras. 

Pied  piper  of  Hamelin.    LAS,  p.  32. 

Another  dramatization  in  four  scenes  for 
six  boys  and  many  extras.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Pied  piper  of  Hamelin.     NO,  p.  74. 

Two  short  acts  for  five  little  children  and 
many  extras. 

Pied  piper.     See  also  Piper;  Return 
of  the  spring. 

Pigs  and  the  giant.     BRY,  p.  79. 

How  three  little  pigs  escape  from  a  giant 
in  the  woods.  Arranged  from  Howard 
Pyle   for   seven   little  children. 

Pilgrims  in  Holland.     TU,  p.  64. 

A  story  of  the  stay  in  Leyden. — Contents. 
For  two  boys  and  two  girls.    Very  short. 

Pilot.     WOO,  p.  130. 

James  Fenimore  Cooper's  story  of  the 
American  revolution  arranged  in  five  acts 
for  class  use. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


79 


Pine  tree.    GO,  p.  23. 

Neither  leaves  of  gold  nor  of  fresh  green 
make  happy  the  little  pine,  which  rejoices 
when  it  is  dressed  once  more  in  its  beau- 
tiful green  needles.  For  three  boys,  two 
girls,  and  extras  as  fairies.  Costumes, 
music  and  dances  suggested.  Also  photo- 
graphs of  costumes.     Simple  and  short. 

Pine  tree.      See   also   Discontented 
pine  tree. 

Pinocchio.     LA,  p.   154. 

The  remarkable  adventures  of  a  wooden 
marionette  who  wanted  to  be  a  real  live 
boy.  Eight  scenes  in  narrative  form  from 
Collodi's  story,  with  helps  for  dramatiza- 
tion. 

Pinocchio.     NI,  p.  61. 

Five  short  scenes  simply  arranged  for 
second  grade  children.  Includes :  The 
origin  of  Pinocchio ;  Pinocchio  and  the 
speaking  cricket ;  Pinocchio  and  Fire-eater ; 
The  field  of  miracles ;  The  consultation. 
From  two  to  six  characters. 

Pioneer  boys  and  girls.    RX,  no.  3. 

Hank  and  Hannah,  two  New  England 
children,  make  the  acquaintance  of  some 
children  who  live  in  a  pioneer  settlement 
in  Illinois  in  the  year  1814.  One  of  the 
Illinois  Centennial  plays.  For  four  boys 
and  four  girls.     Suggestions  given. 

Pioneers.     MAH,  p.  13. 

"The  powers  of  the  Forest 

The  powers  of  the  River 

Ye  shall  subdue. 

They  shall  be  to  ye 

Fire  for  the  winter, 

Shelter  and  roof-tree 

Skins  for  thy  covering. 

And  for  thy  harvests 

Moisture  abundant." 
An  historical  pageant-play  in  one  act  for 
six  speakers  and  many  extras.     Music  sug- 
gested.    Directions  given. 

Pioneers.     OP. 

"There  lies  the  West, 
A  breath  of  Earth  all  fallow  and  unused. 
Where  we  may  build  the  vision  we  have 

seen." 
An  interpretation  of  the  Spirit  of  Amer- 
ica as  seen  in  a  "plain  tale  of  '49."    A  play 
by  James  Oppenheim,  first  produced  at  La- 
nier Camp  in  Maine.    Two  scenes,  prologue 


and  epilogue.  For  five  older  boys,  two 
older  girls  and  many  extras.  Plays  forty- 
five  minutes. 

Piper.     PE. 

"What  breath  and  blood — what  are  the 

hearts  of  children 
To  Hamelin — while  it  heaps  its  money- 
bags ?" 

Poetic  and  beautiful  dramatization  of 
Browning's  Pied  Piper.  Four  acts.  For 
fifteen  boys  and  nine  girls.  Plays  a  full 
evening. 

Piper.     See  also  Pied  piper;  Return 

of  the  spring. 

Playing  house.  NO,  p.  97. 

Two  little  boys  and  two  little  girls  play 
that  they  are  grown  up. 

Plea  of  the  midsummer  fairies.  See 
Fairies'  plea. 

Pocahontas  and  Captain  Smith.  ST, 

bk.  2,  p.  99. 

The  Great  Spirit  breathes  His  courage 
into  Pocahontas  and  helps  her  to  save  Cap- 
tain John  Smith.  Two  short  scenes  for 
eight  boys,  six  girls  and  extras. 

Pocahontas  and  Captain  Smith.  See 
also  John  Smith;  Narrow  escape; 
Princess  Pocahontas. 

Pocahontas  in  London.     TU,  p.  68. 

A  story  of  how  the  lords  and  ladies  of 
the  court  treated  Pocahontas  as  the  princess 
daughter  of  the  Emperor  Powhatan. — Con- 
tents.   For  four  boys  and  four  girls.    Short. 

Pocahontas    saves   Jamestown.    ST, 

bk.  2,  p.  107. 

Pocahontas  warns  the  white  men  of  an 
Indian  attack,  and  helps  to  make  peace 
between  them.  Two  short  scenes  for  seven 
boys,  one  girl,  and  extras. 

Pomegranate  seeds.     KN,  p.  131. 

The  story  of  Proserpina  adapted  from 
the  Hawthorne  narrative  and  arranged  for 
four  boys  and  four  girls. 

Pomegranate  seeds.  See  also  Perse- 
phone; Proserpina. 

Pool  of  answers.    CR,  p.  327. 

An  idyllic  play  with  a  pastoral  setting, 
in   which   wondrous   fortunes   with   hidden 


80 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


meanings  are  read  in  the  Pool  by  the 
Mother  Gypsy.  For  five  older  boys,  five 
older  girls,  and  extras.  Costumes  described. 
Directions  given. 

Poor  little  boy.     OLA,  p.  135. 

While  wandering  across  the  World,  one 
day  Earth-Mother  finds  a  poor  little  boy 
sleeping,  wan  and  weary  on  the  hillside,  and 
calls  her  children  The  Spirit  of  the  Flowers 
and  the  Spirit  of  the  Trees  and  the  Spirit 
of  the  Fruits  and  the  Spirit  of  the  Waters 
and  bids  them  make  the  poor  little  boy  well 
again.  Then  they  whisper  to  him  their 
wonderful  secret — of — How  to  make  a  Gar- 
den!— Program.  "A  play  of  Garden  Pro- 
duction" in  one  act  for  one  boy  and  five 
girls.  Costume  designs  and  simple  direc- 
tions. 

Poor  man  and  the  rich  man.  LAN, 
p.  51. 

A  poor  man  feigns  dumbness  in  order  to 
make  a  rich  man  unwillingly  testify  against 
himself  before  the  judge.     For  three  boys. 

Poor  old  dog.    CX. 

Based  on  a  Russian  story  of  a  dog  who, 
being  considered  useless  in  his  old  age,  is 
turned  out  of  his  home  to  die  in  the  woods, 
but  by  following  the  friendly  advice  ot  a 
wolf  he  proves  his  value  and  is  taken  back 
with  honor. — Contents.  Three  scenes  for 
four  children.  Illustrations  of  costumes  and 
setting.  Property  list  and  stage  directions. 
Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Poppy  seller.    GX,  p.  25. 

Death,  in  the  guise  of  a  poppy  seller, 
brings  release  to  the  occupants  of  a  be- 
sieged castle.     One  act  for  five  persons. 

Post  office.     R. 

By  the  Hindu  poet  Tagore.  This  simple, 
fanciful  play  may  have  a  hidden  symbolism, 
but  it  is  apparently  only  a  pathetic  story 
of  a  little  sick  boy  who  sits  at  an  open  win- 
dow and  gives  voice  to  his  longings  for  life 
and  freedom  in  friendly  talks  with  those 
who  pass.  A.  L.  A.  Booklist.  Two  acts. 
For  nine  boys  and  a  girl.  Setting  is  pres- 
ent day  India.    Plays  one  hour  and  a  half. 

Pot  of  broth.     Y. 

By  the  Irish  poet  Yeats.  A  wandering 
beggarman  matches  his  wits  against  the 
stinginess  and  stupidity  of  Sibby  Coneelly. 
Celtic  humor.    One  act.    For  two  boys  and 


one  girl.    Directions  given.     Plays  twenty- 
five  minutes. 

Pot  of  gold.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  63. 

Three  lazy  boys  are  induced  to  dig  in 
their  vineyard  by  the  promise  of  a  pot  of 
gold.     Three  short  scenes  for  five  boys. 

Power  of  Loyalty.     DOR. 

To  Margaret,  an  everygirl  of  1918,  who 
frets  because  now  "everything  is  for  the 
war,"  is  given  a  vision  in  which  Truth  re- 
veals to  her  how  weak  America  would  be 
without  the  aid  of  Sacrifice  and  the  power 
of  Loyalty.  A  play  in  one  act  for  seven 
boys,  ten  girls  and  extras.  Written  for 
school  use. 

Power  of  Purim.     KR. 

The  "power  of  Purim"  proves  to  be  the 
magic  word  which  rescues  from  the  gypsies 
several  children  kidnapped  on  the  eve  of 
Purim.  One  act.  For  four  boys  and  seven 
girls.  Full  directions  for  costumes  and 
setting.  For  Jewish  religious  schools.  Plays 
thirty  minutes. 

Prayer  of  the  forest  spirit.     OL,  p. 
95. 

Sad  news  is  brought  to  the  forest  because 
Kay,  the  woodcutter  lad,  is  hastening  that 
morn  to  cut  down  the  great  Oak  for  his  cot- 
tage fire.  Robin  Redbreast  is  the  sad  mes- 
senger. Mournfully  the  Spirit  of  the  Wil- 
low and  the  Spirit  of  the  Maple  and  the 
Spirit  of  the  Pine  beg  her  life  in  vain.  At 
last  the  Spirit  of  the  Oak  with  her  gentle 
prayer  for  safety  touches  Kay's  heart  and 
the  trees  of  the  forest  are  safe  forever. — 
Program.  A  "play  of  fairies,"  in  one  act 
for  two  boys,  four  girls  and  "any  number 
of  Tree  Spirits."  Costume  designs  and 
simple  directions. 

Precocious    piggy.      DO,    p.     104; 
SKB,  p.  52. 

Poem  by  Thomas  Hood  arranged  for 
seven  children. 

Princess  and  a  churn.    OLA,  p.  153. 

Princess  Rosalinde  grows  weary  of  the 
Palace  and  its  gilded  splendour,  and  runs 
away  to  the  cottage  of  Barbara  the  peasant 
maid.  There,  the  royal  maiden  learns  to 
value  the  happiness  that  her  own  life  gives. 
— Program.  "A  play  of  human  fitness"  in 
one  act  for  two  girls.  Costume  designs  and 
simple  directions. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


81 


Princess  and  the  pixies.     MAE,  p. 
187. 

The  little  apprentice  Rosadew  proves  by 
her  deeds  of  kindness  and  love  that  she  is 
a  true  princess.  One  act.  For  five  boys, 
three  girls,  and  extras.  Full  directions. 
Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Princess  and  the  swineherd.     D,  p. 

39. 

How  a  swineherd  who  was  rtally  a 
prince  traded  a  porridge-pot  for  a  hundred 
kisses  from  her  Highness.  One  act  for 
two  boys,  four  girls,  and  extras.  Illustra- 
tions suggest  costumes.     Simple  directions. 

Princess  Fragoletta.  SY,  p.  47. 

"Happy  Fragoletta, 
She  has  found  at  last, 
Magic  she  has  sought  so  long, 
All  her  sorrow's  past, 
Happy  little  Princess  Fragoletta !" 

A  spoiled  little  Princess  of  Fantasia  finds 
the  real  world  dull  and  cannot  live  without 
the  enchantment  made  for  her  each  day  by 
a  powerful  wizard.  Prince  Ivor,  her  lover, 
helps  to  break  the  spell  which  binds  her, 
and  together  they  find  true  magic.  A  two- 
act  play  for  four  boys,  ten  girls,  and  many 
extras.     Simple  directions. 

Princess  Moss-Rose.     MEB,  p.  125. 

"Hear  the  merry  spin-wheel's  song : 

Wake  !    Day's  begun  ! 

Thread  comes  short  and  thread  comes 

long. 
Spin,    spinning,    spun !" 

An  interesting  play  in  one  act  "for  every 
child's  birthday,"  based  upon  the  story  of 
the  Sleeping  Beauty.  For  eighteen  char- 
acters and  extras.     Directions. 

Princess  Moss-Rose.    See  also  Briar 
Rosebud;  Sleeping  beauty. 

Princess  on  the  road.    GX,  p.  61. 

The  princess  finds  it  difficult  to  prove 
her  identity  to  a  group  of  angry  villagers. 
One  act  for  a  princess,  a  juggler  and  labor- 
ers, women  and  children. 

Princess  Pocahontas.     MAG,  p.  12. 

The  romantic  and  picturesque  incident  of 
the  rescue  of  Captain  John  Smith  is  inter- 
preted mainly  by  action.  Dialogue  for  two 
boys  and  a  girl  is  slight.  Thirty  or  more 
characters.    Includes  Indian  ceremonies  and 


several  dances.    Music  suggested.    Full  di- 
rections.    Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Princess  Pocahontas.  See  also  John 
Smith;  Narrow  escape;  Pocahon- 
tas and  Captain  Smith. 

Princess  Tenderheart.    SO,  p.  77. 

A  "chit  of  a  Princess  with  a  biscuit-china 
heart,  and  a  broken  one  at  that"  is  won  by  a 
page  whose  father  was  a  glazier.  Two  acts. 
For  four  boys,  one  girl,  and  extras.  Col- 
ored illustrations  suggest  costumes.  Simple 
directions.     Plays  thirty-five  minutes. 

Priscilla,  Myles  and  John.  MEC, 
p.  7. 

John  Alden  does  his  honorable  best  for 
Captain  Myles  Standish,  but  speaks  better 
for  himself  and  thereby  wins  his  cause. 
One  act.  For  two  boys  and  two  girls.  Sim- 
ple directions.     Plays  forty-five  minutes. 

See  also  Courtship  of  Miles  Standish; 
Maid  of  Plymouth;  Miles  Standish;  Stan- 
dish of  Standish. 

Professor  Frog's  lecture.  SX,  p.  57. 

Bobby  is  lying  on  a  hillock  near  a  pond. 
He  is  drowsily  looking  at  the  white  clouds 
drifting  across  a  deep  blue  sky.  Presently, 
a  number  of  frogs  and  toads  hop  into  view 
and  take  places  on  a  mossy  log.  The 
leader.  Professor  Rana,  a  large  green  frog 
wearing  goggles  on  his  nose,  hops  up  to 
Bobby  and  examines  him.  Suddenly,  Bobby 
feels  perfectly  helpless  and  he  hears  voices. 
In  a  little  while  he  discovers  that  Pro- 
fessor Rana  is  to  give  a  lecture  on  the 
human  tadpole  and  Bobby  is  to  serve  as  a 
specimen.  The  Professor  in  his  lecture 
points  out  how  useless  and  cruel  boys  are, 
and  how  helpful  to  man  frogs  and  toads 
are.  Finally,  Bobby  is  allowed  to  plead 
his  own  cause.  After  promising  to  mend 
his  ways  and  in  the  future  to  treat  frogs 
and  toads  kindly,  Bobby  is  freed.  He 
jumps  to  his  feet,  and  sees  the  frogs  and 
toads  hopping  away  and  hears  a  warning 
voice  telling  him  to  remember  what  has 
been  said. — Plot  of  the  Play. 

Adapted  from  a  story  by  Mrs.  M.  A. 
Lane.  For  three  boys,  one  girl,  and  extras. 
Simple  suggestions. 

Proserpina.     COA,  p.  58. 

Pluto  seizes  Proserpina  and  carries  her 
off  to  the  underworld,  from  which  she  is 
rescued  by  Mercury  and  permitted  to   re- 


82 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


turn  to  the  upper  world  for  six  months 
of  every  year.  Five  scenes  for  five  boys 
and  four  girls. 

Proserpina.     SE,   p.   9. 

A  simple  narrative  version  illustrated 
with  many  photographs  of  children  in  Greek 
costume  posing  in  the  scenes  from  the 
myths.  To  be  acted  in  pantomime  or  dram- 
atized from  text  and  pictures.  Suggestions 
to  teachers. 

Proserpina.  See  also  Persephone; 
Pomegranate  seeds. 

Proud  ring-finger.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  36. 

Ring-finger  finds  that  it  cannot  work 
alone.     For  ten  little  children. 

Prudent  Hans.     LA,  p.  51. 

Each  time  he  visits  Grethel,  Hans  care- 
fully follows  his  mother's  advice  for  the 
time  before.  At  last  his  stupidity  makes 
him  put  a  rope  around  Grethel's  neck,  lead 
her  home,  and  tie  her  to  the  manger.  And 
Grethel  runs  away.  In  narrative  form  with 
helps  for  dramatization. 

Puppet  princess.     STB. 

How  the  puppet  princess  wins  for  her- 
self a  real  heart  in  place  of  the  wooden 
one  which  squeaked.  A  play  in  one  act  by 
Augusta  Stevenson.  For  six  boys,  seven 
girls,  and  extras.  The  costumes  illustrated 
were  designed  by  the  Denison  Manufactur- 
ing Co.,  and  made  entirely  from  paper. 
Directions. 

Puritan  Christmas.     C,  p.  121. 

The  little  Puritan  family,  hearing  from 
their  young  mother  of  happy  Christmas  in 
Old  luigland,  decide  on  a  celebration  of 
their  own.  The  Colonists,  surprising  them, 
are  very  angry,  and  inclined  to  severe  pun- 
ishment, until  a  little  Indian  boy,  who 
has  been  befriended  by  Mistress  Delight  and 
her  children,  shows  that,  for  the  sake  of 
her  kindness  to  him,  the  settlement  has  been 
spared  a  dreadful  Indian  raid.  The  peace 
and  good  will  of  Christmas  touch  the  stern 
hearts  of  the  Puritans,  and  they  end  by  a 
friendly  sharing  of  the  festival. — Contents. 

Suggested  by  a  story  by  S.  J.  Prichard. 
Two  acts.  For  twelve  boys  and  eight  girls. 
Puritan  costumes.  Notes  on  staging.  Plays 
forty-five  minutes. 


Puritan  Christmas.     OLB,  p.  67. 

Dorcas,  the  lovely  little  Puritan  maid, 
plans  to  give  her  invalid  mother  an  old- 
time  English  Christmas  in  the  new  land. 
But  her  brother  Roger  forbids  it,  for  he 
deems  it  a  worldly  sin,  and  yet — when  the 
hearth  is  decked  with  green  and  holly 
boughs,  the  strict,  austere  Elder  Goodman 
blesses  the  spirit  of  Christmas  in  the 
Puritan  home,  and  'tis  all  because  Good- 
wife  Mercy  visits  her  neighbors  that  Christ- 
mas Eve. — Program.  Two  acts.  For  two 
boys  and  two  girls.  Designs  for  costumes. 
Simple  directions. 

Purloined  letter.     SI,  third  year,  p. 
59. 

How  M.  Dupin  solves  the  mystery  of  the 
letter  when  the  Prefect  of  Police  in  Paris 
fails.  Arranged  for  High  School  use  from 
Poe's  story.    Two  scenes  for  three  boys. 

Puss  in  boots.    RI,  p.  81. 

"Goodness  me!     Why.  what  was  that? 
Silent  be!     It   was  the   cat!" 

A  jolly  little  operetta  in  three  scenes 
based  on  the  old  tale  and  to  be  sung  to 
familiar  airs.  For  four  boys,  two  girls  and 
extras.     Illustrations   suggest   costumes. 

Pussy-cat.    JO,  p.  9. 

Pussy  goes  to  London  to  visit  the  queen, 
then  comes  home  again.  Three  very  short 
acts  for  five  little  children. 

Pussy-cat's  visit.     BRY,  p.  64. 

Pussy-cat  tells  of  his  journey  to  London 
to  visit  the  queen.  For  three  little  chil- 
dren. 

Pygmahon.     BUB,  p.  326. 

Aphrodite  grants  the  gift  of  life  to 
Pygmalion's  statue,  Galatea,  but  turns  the 
lovers  both  to  stone  when  the  sculptor  neg- 
lects her  worship  in  his  new-found  happi- 
ness. Two  acts.  For  two  boys,  one  girl, 
and  chorus.  Directions  for  costumes  and 
setting. 

Quakers  in  New  England.     TU,  p. 
20. 

A  story  of  early  Salem  in  the  days  of 
witchcraft. — Contents.  For  two  boys  and 
five  girls.     Short. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


83 


Quarreling  tiger  and  lion.     PR,  p. 

92. 

While  tiger  and  lion  fight  over  which  one 
shall  have  the  lamb  they  have  killed,  fox 
comes  up  and  steals  it  avi^ay.  Two  very 
short  acts  for  four  little  children. 

Quarrelsome  children.    PR,  p.  83. 

A  father  tries  to  teach  his  children  that 
in  working  together  there  is  strength.  For 
four  little  boys. 

Queen  and  emperor.     MED,  p.  95. 

A  short  play  about  the  portrait  of  the 
much-loved  Queen  Louise,  by  Gustav 
Richter.  For  four  boys,  two  girls,  and 
extras.     Directions. 

Queen    Elizabeth    and    Sir    Walter 

Raleigh.    LA,  p.  192. 

The  young  cavalier  spreads  his  cloak  over 
the  mire  that  the  queen  may  step  over  it 
dry-shod.  From  Scott's  Kenilworth,  with 
suggestions  for  dramatization. 

Queen  Elizabeth  and  Sir  Walter 
Raleigh.  See  also  Sir  Walter 
Raleigh. 

Queen  Flora's  court.     SY,  p.  127. 

On  Midsummer  day  Queen  Flora  comes 
to  hold  her  court.  The  seasons  are  sum- 
moned to  attend  the  queen  whe  welcomes 
them  and  asks  to  see  the  flowers  of  Spring 
and  Summer,  the  fruits  of  Autumn,  and  all 
the  Snowflakes  of  cold  Winter's  fashioning. 
A  masque  of  flowers  for  many  children. 

"Oyez !  Oyez  !  Oyez  ! 
The  Masque  is  ended. 
Long  live  Queen  Flora !" 

Queen  of  hearts.    BL,  v.  1,  p.  25. 

A  very  short  version  in  rhyme  of  the 
familiar  story.  For  eight  little  boys  and 
girls.     Simple  directions. 

Queen  of  hearts.    HAB,  p.  130. 

The  characters  are  the  King,  Queen  and 
Knave  of  Hearts,  the  cook  and  the  kitchen- 
maid.  Costumes  described.  Directions 
given.     Short.    Humorous. 

Queen  of  hearts.     KRO. 

"Being  an  account  of  the  fell  punishment 
bestowed  on  the  Knave,  whose  greediness 
led  him  into  evildoing."  Four  scenes.  For 
seven  boys,  two  girls  and  extras.  Costumes 
described.  Directions  given.  Plays  forty 
minutes. 


Queen's  coffer.    DU,  p.  111. 

James  H,  boy  king  of  Scotland,  con- 
cealed in  an  oaken  chest,  is  rescued  from 
Edinburgh  Castle  and  brought  to  his  mother 
at  Stirling  by  the  brave  William  Douglas. 
A  two-act  play  written  in  verse  for  two 
older  boys  and  two  older  girls.  Costumes 
described.     Stage  directions. 

Quentin    Durward.      See    Galeotti's 
escape  from  death. 

Quest  of  the  doll.    SMI,  p.  61. 

The  little  gnome  prince,  Garnet,  bravely 
ventures  among  mortals  to  seek  for  his 
twin,  the  gnome-land  Princess  Ruby,  the 
"thing  with  eyes  and  hair  and  feet  and  little 
hands, — the  thing  you  village  children  call 
a  doll."  A  Christmas  play  in  two  acts  for 
three  boys,  three  girls  and  many  extras. 
Music  for  songs  and  dances  suggested. 
Simple  but  complete  directions. 

Rabbit's  message.  SKB,  p.  145. 

Lady  Spring  sends  messages  to  the  chil- 
dren to  tell  them  that  she  is  here.  For  ten 
or  more  children. 

Race  of  the  hare  and  the  hedgehog. 

SK,  p.  15. 

Mrs.  Hedgehog  helps  her  husband  to  out- 
wit the  hare.     In  narrative  form. 

Race  of  the  hare  and  hedgehog.  See 
also  Hare  and  the  hedgehog. 

Rat  princess.     BRY,  p.  54. 

How  the  gray  rat  wins  the  hand  of  the 
beautiful  daughter  of  King  Rat.  A  Japanese 
tale.     For  six  little  children. 

Rat's  daughter.     SK,  p.  66. 

The  same  in  narrative  form. 

Rats  in  council.    PR,  p.  35. 

All  the  rats  meet  to  decide  how  to  get  rid 
of  their  enemy,  the  cat, — but  not  one  of 
them  is  willing  to  tie  a  bell  around  her 
neck  so  that  they  may  hear  her  when  she 
comes.     For  several  little  children. 

Rats   in  council.     See  also   Belling 
the  cat. 

Red    Cross   policeman.      RE,   Jan., 

1918,  p.  63. 

A  story  of  little  Andrew,  his  strange  vis- 
itors, and  his  friendship  for  the  Policeman 


84 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


with  the  Red  Cross  on  his  breast.  A  sim- 
ple play  for  seven  younger  boys  and  one 
younger  girl. 

Red  Riding  Hood.     BE,  p.  91. 

A  play  in  three  scenes  for  one  boy  and 
three  girls.  Both  the  traditional  and  an 
alternative  "happy"  ending  are  given.  Songs 
with  music.  Costumes  suggested.  Direc- 
tions  given. 

Red  Riding  Hood.    SMI,  p.  169. 

A  pantomime  for  three  boys  and  three 
girls  arranged  in  three  scenes  from  the 
French  version  of  the  story,  in  which  Red 
Riding  Hood  is  saved  from  the  Wolf  by 
two  woodcutters. 

Red  Riding  Hood.     U,  p.  1. 

A  simple  version  for  school  use,  in  which 
Red  Riding  Hood  is  rescued  by  her  father. 
One  song  for  chorus.  For  two  boys  and 
three  girls.     Simple  directions. 

Red  Riding  Hood.     See  also  Little 
Red  Riding  Hood: 

Red  shoes.     ST,  bk.  3,  p.  62. 

The  little  shoes  which  vain  little  Karen 
wanted  so  badly  are  turned  into  dancing 
shoes  which  never  stop  until  she  repents  of 
her  naughtiness.  Four  scenes  for  ten  boys 
and  four  girls. 

Reforming  a  bad  boy.    LUA,  p.  207. 

Written  for  the  Civic  league  of  a  New 
York  city  school.  Characters  are  David, 
the  bad  boy ;  the  Commissioner  of  street 
cleaniug  department ;  Civic  league  mem- 
bers; and  men  who  bear  David  a  grudge. 
Four  short  scenes,  ending  with  a  parade 
and  drill. 

Rescue.     HAB,  p.  123. 

For  two  children,  Marie  de  Vervey,  a 
little  aristocrat,  and  Jacques,  a  peasant  boy. 
Time :  the  French  revolution.  Costumes 
described.     Directions  given.     Short. 

Rescue  of  the  Princess  Winsome.  J. 

"A  fairy  play  for  old  and  young"  in 
which  may  be  found  a  witch,  an  ogre,  and 
other  fearsome  characters.  By  Annie  Fel- 
lows Johnston.  Three  acts.  Written  in 
verse.  For  five  boys,  five  girls,  and  chorus 
of  fairies  and  six  flower  messengers. 


Resolutions  of  Anychild.    PAC,  p.  1. 

How  Dr.  Curem,  with  his  salts,  "Try 
Again,"  revives  the  New  Year's  resolutions 
which  Anychild  has  broken  only  eight  days 
after  making  them.  A  morality  play  for 
one  boy  and  six  girls.     Simple  directions. 

Return  of  Odysseus.  FRD. 

"Lo,  I,  all  as  I  am,  after  sufferings  and 
much  wanderings,  have  come  in  the  twen- 
tieth year  to  mine  own  country." 

Adapted  by  the  fifth  grade  of  the  Francis 
W.  Parker  School,  Chicago,  from  Butcher 
and  Lang's  Odyssey.  For  twelve  boys  and 
two  girls.     Plays  forty-five  minutes. 

Return  of  Spring.    SKB,  p.  105. 

Columbine,  Pantaloon  and  Clown  break- 
fast on  Mt.  Olympus  with  Spring,  and  en- 
courage her  to  come  back  to  the  world  to 
finish  her  work.  Arranged  from  D.  C.  Cal- 
thorp  for  four  little  children. 

Return  of  the  Douglas.     FRE. 

"But  even  though  wronged,  I  love  my  king, 
I'll  stand  by  him  through  everything; 
My  life,  my  honor,  and  my  cause, 

I  tender  free  to  Scotland's  laws." 

Arranged  in  three  acts  from  Scott's  Lady 
of  the  Lake  by  pupils  of  the  eighth  grade  of 
the  Francis  W.  Parker  School,  Chicago. 
For  eleven  boys  and  one  girl.  Simple  di- 
rections. 

Return  of  the  Spring.     ST,  bk.  1,  p. 

109. 

Suggested  by  Robert  Browning's  Pied 
piper.  An  added  scene  tells  how  the  mayor 
and  people  of  Hamelin  throw  their  silver 
and  gold  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain  which 
opens  to  free  the  piper  and  the  children 
who  disappeared  a  year  ago.  Two  scenes 
for  thirteen  little  children,  and  many 
extras. 

Return  of  the  Spring.    See  also  Pied 
piper;  Piper. 

Revolt  of  the  holidays.     HA,  p.  2. 

"A  Christmas  gambol"  in  which  all  the 
holidays  take  part.  Contains  songs,  music 
and  dance  for  three  ballets.  Calls  for  six 
boys,  four  girls,  and  extras.  Full  direc- 
tions.   Short. 

Revolution.    GOA,  bk.  4,  p.  57. 

The  seven  bishops  who  defy  King  James 

II  are  brought  to  trial  and  freed,  the  king 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


85 


flees  to  France,  and  William  and  Mary, 
Prince  and  Princess  of  Orange,  accept 
jointly  the  crown  of  Great  Britain.  Three 
scenes.  For  twenty-seven  boys,  one  girl 
and  extras.    For  class-room  use. 

Rhoecus.     NO,  p.  79. 

Rhoecus  meets  a  lovely  wood  nymph,  but 
forgets  to  keep  his  tryst  with  her.  Three 
short  scenes  for  five  little  children.  One 
song. 

Rich  citizens.    PAA,  p.  195. 

A  short  play  for  young  people,  emphasiz- 
ing some  of  the  blessings  of  good  govern- 
ment. May  be  used  for  Lincoln's  birthday. 
— Contents.  For  one  boy,  ten  girls  and 
extras.  Costumes  suggested.  Simple  di- 
rections.    Short. 

Rich  man's  guest.     LAN,  p.  98. 

A  rich  man  learns  from  his  king  that  a 
man  is  more  than  his  clothes.  An  Oriental 
story  arranged  for  three  boys. 

Rip  Van  Winkle.     LAS,  p.  36. 

Poor  old  Rip  Van  Winkle  comes  home 
after  twenty  years'  sleep  in  the  mountains. 
A  short  arrangement  of  Irving's  story  in 
two  scenes  for  seven  boys,  two  girls,  and 
extras. 

Rip  Van  Winkle.    See  also  When 
Rip  Van  Winkle  came  home. 

Robert   Morris  and  the   revolution. 
TU,  p.  122. 

A  story  of  how  the  revolution  was 
financed. — Contents.  For  three  boys  and 
two  girls.     Short. 

Robin  Goodfellow.    SY,  p.  1. 

"And  can  the  magician  a  fortune  divine    • 
Without    lily,    germander,    and    sops    in 
wine? 
With  sweet  briar 
And   bon-fire, 
And    strawberry    wine 
And  Columbine?" 
Robin,  part  sprite,  part  mortal,  contrives 
to  outwit  the   foolish  wisdom   of  old  age 
and  by  giving  to  Audrey  Fortune  and  her 
lover  their  hearts'  desire  assures  them  that 
fairy  folk  have  better  gifts  than  fairy  gold. 
A   play   in   three    acts    for   nine   boys,   five 
girls,    and    others    as    sprites    and    fairies. 
Simple  directions. 


Robin  Hood.    D,  p.  77. 

Richard  Coeur  de  Lion,  in  the  garb  of  a 
monk,  visits  Sherwood  Forest,  and  finds 
faithful  followers  in  Robin  Hood  and  his 
merry  men.  One  act.  For  nine  boys,  two 
girls  and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

Robin  Hood.     FRF. 

Arranged  from  Howard  Pyle's  Merry 
Adventures  of  Robin  Hood  by  the  eighth 
grade  of  the  Francis  W.  Parker  School, 
Chicago.  Two  acts.  For  sixteen  or  more 
boys.     Simple  directions. 

Robin  Hood.    MAB,  first  series. 

"Here  is  the  tale  of  Robin  Hood, 
Whose  court  was  in  the  gay  green-wood, 
Whose  merry  men  went  to  and  fro 
More  than  six  hundred  years  ago." 

A  three-act  play  for  fourteen  boys  and 
eight  girls,  to  be  given,  if  possible,  out-of- 
doors.  Costume  illustrations.  Music  sug- 
gested.   Full  directions. 

Robin   Hood   and   his   merry   men. 

HAB,  p.  1. 

The  outlaws  relieve  Simon  of  Lincoln  of 
his  gold  and  welcome  his  daughter  Rosa- 
mond as  a  new  comrade.  For  five  boys  and 
two  girls.  One  act.  Costumes  described. 
Directions  given.     Short. 

Robin   Hood   and   Mother   Hobbes. 

SKC,  p.  137. 

Mother  Hobbes  helps  Master  Robin  to 
escape  from  the  Bishop  of  Hereford  who 
promises  "never  again  to  seek  to  do  Robin 
Hood  harm."  Five  scenes.  For  six  boys 
and  one  girl.  Simple  directions.  Illustra- 
tions suggest  costumes. 

Robin  Hood  and  the  Banbury  tinker. 
SKC,  p.  111. 

"I  have  a  warrant  from  the  King 
To  take  him  where  I  can,  Oh !" 
Tom  Potts  loses  the  King's  warrant  but 
wins  a  place  in  Robin  Hood's  band  of  yeo- 
men.   Five  scenes.    For  nine  boys.    Simple 
directions.     Illustrations  suggest  costumes. 

Robin    Hood    and   the    sad    knight. 

HOA,  p.   139. 

How  Robin  Hood  saves  Sir  Richard  of 
Lea  from  leaving  England  and  gives  him 
money  to  redeem  his  land.  Two  scenes  for 
eight  boys  and  one  girl. 


86 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Robin  Hood  and  the  unfortunate 
knight.     SKC,  p.  179. 

The  same  incident  in  five  scenes.  For 
thirteen  boys  and  two  girls.  Simple  direc- 
tions.     Illustrations    suggest   costumes. 

Robin  Hood  and  the  widow's  three 
sons.     COR. 

The  main  incidents  of  the  play  are  based 
on  the  old  ballad,  in  Ritson's  collection, 
of  Robin  Hood  rescuing  the  Widow's  Three 
Sons  from  the  Sheriff  When  Going  to  Be 
Executed.  Three  acts  for  three  girls,  eleven 
boys  and  many  extras. 

Robin  Hood  ballads.     SI,  first  year, 

p.  47. 

"Two  dramatic  adaptations  based  on  the 
ballads,  Robin  Hood  and  Little  John,  and 
Robin  Hood  and  Allin  a  Dale."  For  High 
School  use.  Includes  songs.  For  seven 
boys,  one  girl,  and  extras. 

Robin  of  Sherwood.     CRA. 

"Play  your  part  well  and  carefully  and 
we  shall  have  a  good  ending  of  what  seems 
a  bad  beginning.  There  arc  doors  to  the 
strongest  castle  and  wit  or  gold  can  open 
them." — Robin  Hood. 

A  comedy  in  three  acts  by  J.  R.  Craw- 
ford in  which  Lady  Marian  is  rescued  from 
the  castle  of  Nottingham  and  Robin  is  re- 
warded by  King  Richard  for  his  loyalty. 
For  twenty-two  boys,  three  girls  and  many 
extras.  Stage  directions.  Plays  a  whole 
evening. 

Robin  Hood.  See  aLso  In  the  good 
green  wood;  King  Richard  and 
Robin  Hood;  Nottingham  shoot- 
ing match;  Robin  of  Sherwood. 

Roman.    GOA,  bk.  1,  p.  9. 

Caractacus,  led  in  the  triumphal  proces- 
sion through  the  streets  of  Rome,  wins  the 
admiration  of  the  lordly  Romans  by  his 
fearlessness,  and  is  set  at  liberty.  Two 
scenes.  For  thirteen  boys,  one  girl,  and 
extras.     For  class-room  use. 

Roman  road.     LUB,  v.  3,  p.  151. 

A  story  of  the  Knights'  road  that  leads 
to  Rome,  from  Kenneth  Grahame's  Golden 
Age.  Dramatized  for  school  use.  For  two 
boys  and  one  girl. 


Romancers.     ROS. 

"Costumes  light  and  Easy  rhymes  .  .  . 
Old  wall,  lovers,  scented  thymes." 

"The  scene  is  laid  where  you  will,  pro- 
vided the  costumes  be  pretty."  A  comedy 
in  three  acts  by  Edmond  Rostrand.  For 
five  older  boys,  one  older  girl,  and  extras. 
The  first  act  may  be  given  separately.  Di- 
rections given.     Plays  a  full  evening." 

Rose  and  the  ring.    SO,  p.  17. 

A  little  play  from  Thackeray's  Fireside 
Pantomime.  Two  acts.  For  five  boys, 
three  girls,  and  extras.  Elf  costumes  illus- 
trated.    Simple  directions. 

Rose   o'   Plymouth-town.   DIX. 

Rose  de  la  Noye,  a  curly-haired  Hugue- 
not lass  of  seventeen  is  wooed  and  won  by 
the  "better  man"  in  spite  of  treachery  and 
cowardly  lies.  \  romantic  comedy  in  four 
acts.  Place:  Plymouth  in  New  England  in 
1622 — 1623.  For  four  older  boys  and  four 
older  girls.  Puritan  costumes.  Directions 
given.     Plays  a  full  evening. 

Royal  toy-mender.     SX,  p.  203. 

King  Justforfun  declares  the  children  of 
men  are  growing  too  careless  witli  their 
playthings.  It  is  impossible  for  the  brownies 
to  mend  all  that  come  into  the  Land  of  Lost 
Toys,  where  all  broken  playthings  are  taken 
care  of.  The  Fairy  Godmother  is  sent  to 
bring  Sam  and  Dot  Brown  to  the  King's 
court,  where  they  are  to  be  tried  for  care- 
lessness and  the  wilful  destruction  of  toys. 
Some  of  the  children's  broken  playthings 
suggest  tit  for  tat  punishment.  Teddy  Bear 
jumps  up  and  says  he  was  always  treated 
very  kindly.  He  calls  attention  to  the  fact 
that  Sam  is  an  expert  mender  of  toys  and 
pleads  to  have  the  boy  appointed  Toy- 
mender  to  the  King.  This  will  lessen  the 
number  of  playthings  that  come  to  the  Land 
of  Lost  Toys.  The  King  agrees  to  accept 
Teddy's  plan  and  allows  the  children  to 
go  home,  where  Sam,  assisted  by  Dot,  is 
to  mend  all  the  neighboring  children's  toys. 
—Plot  of  the  play. 

Suggested  by  an  incident  in  a  story  by 
Mrs.  Ewing.  .  For  five  boys,  two  girls,  and 
groups.     Simple  suggestions. 

Ruler  of  the  forest.     OLB,  p.  27. 

There  is  fear  in  the  hearts  of  the  Forest 
Animals  because  Kwasind,  the  Indian  chief, 
hunts  daily  in  the  Forest  with  his  sharp  and 
shining      arrows.      Then      in      desperation 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


87 


Mokwa,  the  Ancient  Bear,  calls  to  council 
Wabasso  the  Fleet-footed,  Wonks  the 
Wise  One,  Ahdeek  the  Deer,  and  all  the 
other  Forest  Folk  to  plan  to  slay  Kwasind. 
But  the  story  tells  how  all  their  wit  and 
cunning  fail  and  still  the  man  is  the  Ruler 
of  the  Forest. — Program.  Three  acts.  For 
five  boys  and  extras.  Designs  for  costumes. 
Simple  directions. 

Rumpelstiltzkin.     BE,  p.  49. 

"His   name    is   Rumpelstiltzkin 
Which  nobody  can  deny  !" 

The  power  of  this  strange  little  man  is 
broken  when  the  princess  guesses  his  name. 
A  dramatization  in  five  scenes  for  older 
children.  For  seven  boys  and  one  girl. 
Songs  with  music.  Directions  for  costumes 
and  setting. 

Rumpelstiltskin.     N,  p.  57. 

How  Kitty  Cornflour  becomes  the  Prin- 
cess Catherine.  Five  scenes  for  four  boys, 
three  girls,  and  extras  as  elves.  Simple 
directions. 

St.  Nicholas.     A,  p.  39. 

In  the  guise  of  St.  Nicholas,  patron  saint 
of  sailors  and  children,  Joris  Romeyn  comes 
back  to  his  little  family  in  Holland  after 
three  years  of  absence  at  sea.  Written  in 
verse.  Two  scenes.  For  two  boys  and  two 
girls.  Illustrated.  Music  for  songs  and  a 
dance.     Directions. 

St.  Valentine's  house.     WIC,  p.  45. 

"Laughter  and  gladness 
But  never  of  sadness. 
That's  what  valentines  are  made  of." 
A  child  who  visits  St.  Valentine's  house 
learns    that    one    can    give    real    valentines 
every  day  in  the  year.     For  one  boy,  one 
girl,  and  many  extras  as  elves,  fairies  and 
imps.      Suggestions    for    staging    and    cos- 
tumes. 

Salon  Carre  fantasy.     MED,  p.  17. 

The  subjects  of  two  portraits,  The  young 
man  with  a  glove  and  The  woman  at  her 
toilet  emerge  from  their  frames  to  the  be- 
wilderment of  several  visitors  to  the 
Louvre.  For  four  boys,  seven  girls,  and 
extras.    Humorous.    Full  directions. 

Sam  Weller  and  the  Bath  footmen. 
PER,  p.  107. 

The  gentlemen  in  livery  invite  Sam  to  a 
"friendly    swarry,"    consisting   of    a   boiled 


leg  of  mutton  with  the  usual  trimmings. 
One  scene  from  Pickwick  Papers  for  seven 
boys.  Two  costume  plates.  Stage  direc- 
tions. 

Samuel  Morse's  telegraph.     HX,  p. 
166. 

The  trial  message  of  the  first  telegraph, 
and  what  it  won  for  Samuel  Morse,  its 
mventor.  One-act  play  for  third  and 
fourth  grade  children,  for  three  boys. 

Sandalwood  box.     ST,  bk.  4,  p.  56. 

Because  of  his  kindness  to  a  Moor,  Pedro 
Gil,  a  water-carrier,  is  rewarded  with  won- 
derful treasure  buried  in  a  tower  of  the  Al- 
hambra.  Suggested  by  Irving's  Legend  of 
the  Moor's  Legacy.  Three  scenes  for  five 
boys,  five  girls,  and  extras. 

Santa  Claus.    JO,  p.  35. 

A  good  little  girl  and  naughty  litle  boy 
are  each  properly  rewarded  by  Santa  Claus. 
Two  short  acts  for  two  little  boys  and  two 
little  girls. 

Sara  Crewe.    See  Little  princess. 
Saturday   night    in    New   England. 
TU,  p.   154. 

A  story  of  colonial  manners  and  customs. 
—Contents.  For  three  boys  and  two  girls. 
Very  short. 

Saxon.     GOA,  bk.  1,  p.  24. 

The  Britons  decide  to  ask  Hengist  and 
Horsa  to  help  them  drive  out  the  Picts  and 
Scots,  and  to  give  them  the  Isle  of  Thanet 
in  payment.  One  scene.  For  six  boys  and 
class.     Short. 

Saxon  and  Norman.     MAB,  second 
series. 

"Broken,  shield  and  axe ! 
All,  all  was  in  vain ! 
Senlac!     Senlac ! 

Oh,  Harold  is  slain !" 
How  William,  Duke  of  Normandy,  be- 
came the  Conqueror  of  England.  A  four- 
act  play  for  sixteen  boys  and  five  girls. 
Some  of  the  parts  may  be  doubled.  Cos- 
tume illustrations.  Music  suggested.  Full 
directions. 

ScandaL    LAN,  p.  14. 

"Now  don't  tell  anybody, 
Because  if  you  do, 
My  secrets,  the  next  time, 
I'll  not  tell  to  you !" 


88 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


A  very  short  dialogue  in  verse  for  two 
little  girls. 

Scout's  honor.    LI. 

Tom  Winters,  a  second  class  scout,  de- 
serts camp  because  of  jealousy  of  Billy 
Palmer,  a  first  class  scout.  Billy  falls  in 
the  lake  and  Tom  rescues  him.  Tom  re- 
fuses to  be  made  a  hero,  and  confessing 
his  desertion,  is  allowed  to  start  fresh  as 
a  tenderfoot.  One  act  for  thirteen  or  more 
boys.  Full  directions.  Plays  about  forty- 
five  minutes. 

Seasons.    BRY,  p.  94. 

Poem  by  George  Cooper  arranged  for  five 
little  children. 

Secret  garden.    LUB,  v.  3,  p.  1. 

How  the  garden  and  its  magic  changed 
disagreeable  little  Mary  Lenox  into  a  cheer- 
ful happy  child  and  Colin  Craven  from  a 
helpless  cripple  to  a  "fine  well  lad."  Seven 
scenes  arranged  for  school  use  from  Mrs. 
Burnett's  story.  For  five  boys  and  four 
girls. 

Seeing  the  world.     LAN,  p.  28. 

A  little  pig  who  wants  to  see  the  world 
comes  back  after  visiting  the  farmyard  and 
tells  his  mother  about  its  wonders.  For 
four  children. 

Seeing  the  world.     SK,  p.  11. 

The  same  story  in  narrative  form. 

Selfish  man.     SKB,  p.  79. 

A  man  who  seeks  his  fortune  is  told  by  a 
Wise  Man  to  live  no  longer  for  himself  but 
for  others.    For  four  little  children. 

Selfish  woman.     ST,  bk.  2,  p.  11. 

A  woman  who  would  not  give  finds  that 
she  cannot  have.    For  two  little  children. 

Servant  of  all.     SK,  p.  45. 

Carl  the  swineherd  is  made  king  of  the 
city.     Narrative  from  A.  and  E.  Keary. 

Settling  of  Boston.     HX,  p.  34. 

William  Blackstone,  who  grew  tired  of 
Plymouth  and  found  a  new  home  in  Shaw- 
mut,  invites  Governor  Winthrop  and  his 
company  to  settle  there.  Later  at  the  town 
meeting,  the  settlement  is  named  Boston. 
Three  short  acts  for  five  boys  and  extras, 
to  be  used  in  third  or  fourth  grade. 


Seven  old  ladies  of  Lavender  town. 

BUG;  BUD,  p.  67. 

Seven  lovely  brides  of  quarrelsome  tem- 
per are  punished  by  being  turned  into  seven 
old  ladies  condemned  to  roam  the  world  in 
search  of  their  husbands  whom  they  find  at 
last  as  figures  in  the  Great  Mechanical  and 
Conversational  Agglomeration  of  Wax- 
works. For  nine  boys  and  eight  girls. 
Scene  in  Kate  Greenaway  land,  at  the  time 
of  Once-upon-a-time.  Operetta  in  two  acts. 
Music  by  Oscar  Weil.    Full  directions. 

Seven  sleepers  of  Ephesos.     MEB, 

p.  79. 

A  one-act  play  about  the  awakening  of 
the  seven  sleepers  when  the  "temple-keeper" 
city  of  Ephesos  has  renounced  the  festival 
of  Artemis  in  favor  of  the  celebration  of 
Easter.  For  twenty-three  older  boys,  one 
girl,  and  extras.    Costumes  suggested. 

Sevenoaks.     WOO,  p.  69. 

J.  G.  Holland's  story  of  Robert  Belcher 
capitalist,  whose  evil  deeds  receive  their  due 
rewards,  arranged  in  five  acts  for  class  use. 

Sheik  Chilli.    LAN,  p.  96. 

He  lived  in  the  Simla  district  in  India, 
and  one  day  as  he  was  walking  along  with  a 
vessel  of  oil  on  his  head,  he  dreamed  of  all 
the  wealth  the  oil  was  to  bring  him.  But 
the  vessel  was  broken,  and  the  oil  spilled, 
and  Sheik  Chilli  would  have  been  the  loser 
had  it  not  been  for  the  Rajah.  In  narrative 
form.     Short. 

Shepherd  boy  who  called  wolf.  ST, 
bk.  2,  p.  22. 

Villagers  who  run  to  help  the  boy  find 
that  it  is  a  joke,  and  so  do  not  come  when 
they  are  really  needed.  Three  short  scenes 
for   six   little   children. 

Shepherd  boy  who  called  wolf.  See 
also  Wolf!  wolf! 

Shepherd  wolf.     PR,  p.  30. 

Mr.  Wolf  dresses  himself  like  a  shepherd 
in  order  to  get  some  fine  fat  sheep  for 
himself,  but  his  voice  betrays  him  and 
rouses  the  shepherd  boy  and  his  dog.  For 
four  little  children. 

Shingebiss.     SK,  p.  72. 

North  Wind  finds  that  he  cannot  freeze 
a  brave  little  duck  called  Shmgebiss.  In 
narrative  form. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


89 


Sick  deer.     ST,  bk.  1,  p.  18. 

A  deer's  animal  friends  come  to  talk  with 
him,  but  eat  every  blade  of  grass  within 
his  reach.     For  five  little  children. 

Sick  dolly.     BRY,  p.  52. 

Poem  arranged  for  two  little  children. 

Siege  of  Calais.    BUB,  p.  291. 

Queen  Philippa  saves  the  lives  of  the  six 
burgesses  who  have  offered  themselves  to 
the  English  King  to  save  the  starving  folk 
of  Calais.  Founded  on  Froissart's  Chron- 
icles. One  act.  For  eighteen  boys,  two 
girls,  and  extras.    Full  directions. 

Siege  of  Calais.     See  also  Burghers 
of  Calais;  Keys  of  Calais. 

Siegfried.    MAT,  p.  191. 

"A  story  of  enchantment  old, 
A    forge,    a   cave,    a    Nibelung's    bright 
gold." 

"The  scene  is  meant  to  be  simply  a  frag- 
ment of  Siegfried's  youth."  For  three  boys 
and  two  girls.  Costumes  described.  Direc- 
tions given. 

Silas  Marner.    SI,  third  year,  p.  15. 

Arranged  for  High  School  use  from 
George  Eliot  as  "a  four-scene  play  showing 
the  transformation  of  Silas  through  the 
coming  of  the  golden-haired  Eppie,  in  place 
of  the  lost  gold."  For  nine  boys,  three  girls 
and  extras. 

Silas  Wegg's  stall.    BRO,  p.  175. 

Mr.  Boffin,  retired  dustman,  finds  that 
Silas  is  "a  literary  man — with  a  Wooden 
leg — and  all  Print  is  open  to  him."  One 
scene  from  Dickens's  Our  Mutual  Friend 
for  one  boy  and  one  girl.  Directions  given. 
Plays  twenty-two  minutes. 

Silly  old  man.    LAN,  p.  110. 

A  ballad  about  an  old  man,  a  gentleman 
thief,  and  a  fine  portmanteau  filled  with 
silver  and  gold. 

Silly  peacock.     PR,  p.  75. 

The  peacock  hopes  that  if  the  other  birds 
envy  his  feathers  they  may  forget  that  he 
is  too  clumsy  to  fly.  A  very  short  dialogue 
for  two  little  children. 

Silver  thread.     MAI. 

Cubert,  a  miner  lad,  rescues  the  Princess 


Gwenda  from  the  Goblins,  and  by  means  of 
the  Silver  thread  guides  her  to  safety.  A 
Cornish  folk  play  in  three  acts.  For  four- 
teen boys,  five  girls  and  extras.  Costumes 
described.  Directions  given.  Plays  two 
hours. 

Single-handed  McAuley.    F,  p.  184. 

Never  a  man  had  been  taken  by  an  officer 
from  Long  Philip's  camp,  until  McAuley 
secured  Felix  Theriault,  outlaw,  by  winning 
the  men  to  the  side  of  law  and  patriotism. 
Dramatized  from  a  story  by  Holman  F. 
Day.  Two  scenes.  For  four  boys  and 
extras.     Simple  directions. 

Sir  Bumble.    LAN,  p.  114. 

A  wee  one-span  manikin  who  buzzes 
about  with  a  boom !  bim !  boom !  helps  a 
soldier's  son  and  the  Princess  Blossom  to 
live  happily  ever  after.  A  Punjab  tale 
given  in  narrative  form. 

Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney.    D,  p.  1. 

Gareth,  the  kitchen  boy,  is  knighted  by 
King  Arthur,  and  goes  forth  to  rescue  the 
Lady  Lyonors  from  the  Castle  Dangerous. 
Three  acts.  For  six  boys,  two  girls,  and 
extras.  Illustrations  suggest  costumes. 
Simple  directions. 

Sir  Percivale,  the  boy  knight  from 
the  forest.    ST,  bk.  4,  p.  163. 

The  lad  who  wishes  to  become  a  knight 
presents  himself  at  the  court  of  King 
Arthur,  who  tests  him  and  tempts  him  and 
finds  that  he  fails  in  nothing.  From  the 
Mabinogion.  Three  scenes  for  eighteen 
boys,  three  girls,  and  many  extras. 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh.    BI,  p.  79. 

A  number  of  episodes  in  the  life  of  Ra- 
leigh, youth,  adventurer,  courtier  and  knight. 
Five  scenes  for  ten  boys  and  two  girls. 

Sir  Walter  Raleigh.    See  also  Queen 
Elizabeth  and  Sir  Walter  Raleigh. 

Sixteenth-century  Christmas.     S,  p. 

139. 

"The  purpose  is  to  reproduce  a  Christ- 
mas scene  of  Shakespeare's  time,  both  for 
its  own  sake  and  as  an  attractive  setting 
for  the  delightful  old  Christmas  carols." 
For  five  boys,  three  girls,  and  extras.  Il- 
lustrations of  costumes.  Music  suggested. 
Simple  directions. 


90 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Sketch  book.  See  Rip  Van  Winkle ; 
When  Rip  Van  Winkle  came 
home. 

Sketches  by  Boz.  See  Horatio 
Sparkins;  Mrs.  Tibbs's  boarding- 
house. 

Skimish  at  Rensselaerswijck.     TU, 

p.  92. 

A  story  of  New  York  in  colonial  days. — 
Contents.  For  five  boys  and  three  girls. 
Short. 

Skylark's  spurs.    SK,  p.  114. 

How  the  skylark  saves  the  eggs  in  the 
nest  by  means  of  his  long  spurs.  Adapted 
from  Jean  Ingelovv,  and  given  in  narrative 
form. 

Sleeping  beauty.     BE,  p.  301. 

"The  wicked  fairy's  evil  thought, 

Never  fear !    oh,  never  fear ! 
We  surely  soon  will  bring  to  nought — 
Never  fear  !   oh,  never  fear  !" 

An  arrangement  of  the  familiar  story  of 
the  princess  who  slept  a  hundred  years,  in 
four  scenes  for  four  boys,  nine  girls  and 
extras.  Costumes  suggested.  Directions 
given. 

Sleeping  beauty.    DO,  p.  108. 

A  simple  arrangement  for  twenty-five  or 
more  children. 

Sleeping  beauty.     DU,  p.  129. 

"  'Tis  an  enchanted  castle,  where  the  flower 
Of  all  fair  maidens,  under  magic  spell. 
Is  waiting  for  a  prince  to  set  her  free." 
A  poetic  dramatization  in  three  acts  for 
eleven  girls  and  five  boys.  Three  songs.   Di- 
rections for  costumes  and  stage  setting. 

Sleeping  beauty.     DUN,  p.  1. 

"As  the  fairies  have  said,  so  the  charm  it 
shall  be!" 

May  be  given  simply  or  developed  more 
elaborately.  Three  scenes.  For  two  boys, 
sixteen  girls,  and  extras.  Planned  for  third 
and  fourth  grade  children.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Sleeping  beauty.    GO,  p.  99. 

"As  we  circle  round  the  princess, 
All  in  our  fairy  ring 
W'e  weave  for  her  a  magic  spell, 
And  fairy  blessings  bring." 


Dramatized  in  three  simple  scenes  for  six 
boys  and  fifteen  girls  from  six  to  ten  years 
of  age.  Costumes,  music  and  dances  sug- 
gested. Photographs  of  costumes.  Direc- 
tions given. 

Sleeping  beauty.    JO,  p.  136. 

Arranged   in   three   short 
boys  and  fifteen  girls. 


acts    for    four 


Sleeping  beauty.     RI,  p.  103. 

"Ha !  she  pricks  her  finger. 
Slow  the  distaff  twirls. 
Hundred  years  she'll  linger, 
Drowsiest  of  girls." 

The  lines  of  this  little  operetta  are  sung 
to  familiar  airs.  Three  scenes.  For  two 
boys,  six  girls  and  extras.  Costume  illus- 
trations. 

Sleeping  beauty.    U,  p.  5. 

A  simple  version  in  three  scenes  for 
school  use.  Four  songs  for  the  fairies.  For 
three  boys  and  eleven  girls.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Sleeping  beauty.    SA,  p.  147. 

A  five-act  play  somewhat  modernized. 
For  four  boys,  six  girls,  and  extras,  or  all 
the  parts  may  be  taken  by  girls.  Includes  a 
dance.  Costumes  suggested.  Directions 
given.    Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Sleeping    beauty.      See    also    Briar 
Rosebud;   Princess  Moss-Rose. 

Snake.     PR,  p.  90. 

A  snake  returns  a  peasant's  kindness  with 
ingratitude.  A  very  short  dialogue  for  two 
little  children. 

Snow  Queen.    BUB,  p.  238. 

How  Gerda  rescues  Kay  from  the  tall 
white  lady  with  cold  blue  eyes  and  glitter- 
ing hair,  who  catches  hold  of  disobedient 
children  and  carries  them  off  to  her  great 
ice-palace  at  the  North  Pole.  Arranged 
from  Hans  Christian  Andersen's  story  in 
one  act  for  eight  boys,  nine  girls,  and  ex- 
tras. Includes  a  carol  and  a  Christmas  tree 
tableau.  Directions  for  costumes  and  set- 
ting. 

Snow-White.     SCB,  p.  43. 

How  a  little  princess  is  sent  into  the 
wild  forest  by  a  queen,  how  she  is  cared 
for  by  seven  little  dwarfs,  and  how  at  last 
the  queen  is  punished  and  Snow-White  mar- 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


91 


ries   the   prince.     Eleven    short    scenes    ar- 
ranged for  eight  boys  and  four  girls. 

Snow-White.  See  also  Snow  White 
and  the  seven  dwarfs;  Snowdrop 
and  the  seven  dwarfs. 

Snow  White  and  Rose   Red.     GO, 

p.  54, 

Four  short  and  simple  scenes  telling  the 
story  of  a  wicked  dwarf,  a  bear  who  proves 
to  be  a  prince,  and  two  little  girls  who  be- 
come princesses.  For  children  from  six  to 
ten.  Costumes  described  and  illustrated. 
Directions  given. 

Snow-White  and  Rose-Red.  SMI,  p. 

195. 

A  pantomime  for  two  boys  and  three 
girls  arranged  in  four  scenes  from  Grimm's 
Household  Stories. 

Snow-White  and  Rose-Red.    U,  p. 

12. 

A  simple  version  in  two  short  scenes  for 
school  use.  Two  songs  for  chorus.  For 
three  boys  and  three  girls.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Snow  White  and  the  seven  dwarfs. 

GO,  p.  79. 

"Mirror,  mirror  on  the  wall 
Who  in  this  land  is  the  fairest  of  all !" 
The  familiar  tale  dramatized  in  seven 
simple  scenes  for  ten  boys  and  three  girls 
from  six  to  ten  years  of  age.  Costumes  de- 
scribed and  illustrated.  Music  suggested. 
Directions  given. 

Snow  White  and  the  seven  dwarfs. 

WH. 

The  wicked  Queen  Brangomar  learns  that 
the  only  way  to  be  beautiful  without  magic 
is  to  be  good.  A  fairy  tale  play  by  Jessie 
B'.  White  based  on  the  Grimm  story  and  ar- 
ranged in  seven  scenes  for  elaborate  pro- 
duction. Used  at  the  Little  Theater.  Music 
by  Edmond  Rickett.  For  twelve  boys, 
eleven  girls  and  extras.  Plays  a  full  eve- 
ning. 

Snow  White  and  the  seven  dwarfs. 

See  also  Snow  White;  Snowdrop 

and  the  seven  dwarfs. 
Snow  witch.    MAI,  p.  217. 

A  Russian  folk  play  in  one  act  which 
"is  a  weaving  of  several  Russian  folk  tales," 


and  teaches  that  "it  is  better  to  be  just  one's 
self,  with  one's  own  burdens."  For  two 
boys,  four  girls,  and  extras.  Costumes  de- 
scribed. Directions  given.  Contains  a  folk 
dance.    Plays  half  an  hour. 

Snowdrop   and    the    seven   dwarfs. 

BUB,  p.  190. 

A  dramatization  of  the  familiar  story  of 
Snow  White  in  one  act.  In  verse.  For 
fifteen  boys  and  nine  girls.  Directions  for 
costumes  and  setting. 

Snowdrop    and    the    seven    dwarfs. 

U,  p.  37. 

A  simple  version  in  eleven  short  scenes 
for  school  use.  Four  songs.  For  nine  boys, 
five  girls,  and  extras  as  fairies.  Simple  di- 
rections. 

Snowdrop  and  the  seven  dwarfs. 
See  also  Snow  White ;  Snow  white 
and  the  seven  dwarfs. 

So-so.     KN,  p.  25. 

Instead  of  obeying  her  mother,  naughty 
little  Joan  follows  what  she  thinks  will  do 
"just  as  well,"  and  so  trouble  comes. 
Adapted  from  Juliana  Horatia  Ewing's 
story  with  this  title.    For  four  parts. 

Soap-box  orator.    PAA,  p.  159. 

A  very  short  play,  showing  the  rise  and 
fall  of  a  would-be  anarchist  hero. — Con- 
tents. For  five  boys,  three  girls,  and  extras. 
Costumes  suggested.     Simple  directions. 

Soft-soap  day.     HX,  p.  29. 

How  four  Pilgrim  women  beat  the  In- 
dians by  throwing  soft-soap  in  their  faces. 
A  very  short  play  in  one  act  for  third  and 
fourth  grade  children.  For  six  boys,  four 
girls,  and  extras. 

Sohrab  and  Rustum.    SI,  third  year, 

p.  7. 

Two  episodes  dramatized  for  High 
School  use  from  Mathew  Arnold's  poem; 
Sohrab's  plea  and  The  recognition.  For 
three  boys. 

Sojourners.      DR,    July-Aug.-Sept., 

1920,  p.  357. 

A  picture  of  Puritan  life  in  the  city  of 
Leyden  in  the  year  1620,  just  before  the 
Speedwell  sailed  for  England,  carrying  pas- 
sengers to  the  good  ship  Mayflower  about 
to  sail  for  America.    A  play  in  one  act  by 


92 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Anna  Hartwell  and  Isabelle  Meeker.  For 
five  boys  and  two  girls.  For  High  School 
use.     Directions. 

Soldier's  horse.    PR,  p.  99. 

A  mule  envies  a  horse  with  a  silver  sad- 
dle, but  after  a  year  in  the  army  the  horse 
now  ill  and  lame  works  side  by  side  with 
the  mule.  Two  short  acts  for  two  little 
children. 

Some  wise  men  of  Gotham.     SCB, 

p.  11. 

When  the  king's  men  come  the  wise  men 
of  Gotham  act  like  fools  and  so  escape  pun- 
ishment for  blocking  the  road  of  his 
Majesty.    For  twelve  or  more  boys. 

Some    wise   men   of    Gotham.      See 
also  Wise  men  of  Gotham. 

Somewhere  town.    SKB,  p.  21. 

Poem  by  Kate  Greenaway  arranged  for 
two  parts. 

Son  of  the  Yemassee.    ST,  bk.  5,  p. 

205. 

Occonestoga,  son  of  Chief  Sanutee,  is 
seized  as  a  traitor  by  the  braves  of  his  tribe 
because  of  his  relations  with  the  English 
who  are  trying  to  secure  more  land.  Based 
on  episodes  in  William  Gillmore  Simms's 
novel,  The  Yemassee.  Four  acts  for  four- 
teen boys,  two  girls  and  many  extras.  Plays 
forty-five  minutes. 

Song  in  the  heart.    ST,  bk.  3,  p.  109. 

Flat-foot,  Hanging-lip  and  Broad-thumb 
spin  three  rooms  full  of  flax  that  their 
niece  may  marry  the  prince.  But  he  chooses 
her,  after  all,  for  the  songs  in  her  heart. 
Two  scenes  for  one  boy  and  six  girls. 

Song  of  Hiawatha.    HOB. 

Beginning  with  the  message  of  peace  sent 
by  Gitche  Manito  the  mighty,  the  story  of 
Longfellow's  poem  is  followed  until  Hia- 
watha bids  farewell  to  Nokomis  and  his 
people.  Nine  scenes,  arranged  with  slight 
changes  of  text.  For  nine  boys,  three  girls, 
and  extras.  Figures  of  wearing  apparel  and 
utensils  given  from  Remington's  drawings. 
Music  for  songs.    Simple  directions. 

Southwest   Wind's    visit   to    Gluck. 
SKB,  p.  134. 

The  story  of  the  strange  little  old  gen- 
tleman arranged  from  The  King  of  the 
Golden  River  for  four  boys. 


Southwest  Wind's  visit  to  Gluck. 
See  also  Destruction  of  Treasure 
Valley ;  King  of  the  Golden  River ; 
Story  of  Gluck;  Strange  visitor. 

Spanish  Armada.    GO  A,  bk.  3,  p.  37. 

The  English  captains  enjoy  a  game  on 
the  bowling  green  at  Plymouth,  consult 
together  outside  the  harbor  of  Calais  after 
the  fight,  and  are  received  by  Queen  Eliza- 
beth at  the  court.  Three  scenes.  For  nine 
boys,  one  girl  and  many  extras.  For  class- 
room use. 

Sparrow  and  the  bush.    BRY,  p.  8. 

How  a  sparrow  persuaded  a  bush  to 
give  him  a  swing.    For  ten  little  children. 

Sparrow  and  the  crow.     LAN,  p.  8. 

A  Punjab  tale  of  a  sparrow  who  insisted 
that  a  crow  make  himself  clean  before  he 
could  have  his  share  of  kedgeree.  In  narra- 
tive form. 

Sparrows  in  the  hat.     ST,  bk.  1,  p. 

26. 

Naughty  Hans  catches  sparrows  in  the 
woods,  and  is  reproved  by  the  king.  For 
five  little  boys  and  five  little  girls.  Two 
short  scenes. 

Spell  of  Christmas.    C,  p.  179. 

The  old  belief  that  at  midnight  on  Christ- 
mas Eve  the  family  portraits  come  to  life, 
step  down  from  their  places,  and  join  hands 
in  a  stately  dance,  leads  the  children  to 
slip  out  of  their  beds  at  an  unwonted  hour, 
and  so  to  take  a  hand  in  the  adventures  of 
their  elders,  quite  beyond  their  ken. — Con- 
tents. Two  scenes.  For  eight  boys,  six 
girls,  carol  singers.  Notes  on  costume, 
music  and  setting.  Plays  forty-five  min- 
utes. 

Spider  and  the  fly.    JO,  p.  44. 

How  a  little  fly  walks  into  the  prettiest 
parlor  that  ever  he  did  spy.  For  four  little 
children. 

Spinning  lesson.    MAG,  p.  27. 

"Life  among  the  Pilgrim  folk  is  seen — 
Thrifty  Priscilla,  Maid  o'  Plymouth- 
Town 
In  Puritanic  cap  and  somber  gown !" 
"A  Plymouth  interlude"  in  which  thirteen 
characters     represent     Pilgrim     lads     and 
lasses,    Indian    maidens,    a    squaw    and    a 


INDEX   TO   PLAYS 


93 


young    brave.     One    act.     Full    directions. 
Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Spirit  of  New  England.    PAA,  p.  95. 

A  pageant  of  the  Pilgrim  Fathers,  in  five 
episodes,  showing  the  influence  of  Stern 
Morality  upon  Modern  History.  Especially 
written  for  the  three  hundredth  anniversary 
of  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims  to  be  cele- 
brated in  the  fall  of  1920.— Contents.  May 
be  given  out  of  doors.  Episodes  may  be 
performed  separately.  For  many  children. 
Costumes  suggested.    Simple  directions. 

Spring  fantasy.    SI,  third  year,  p.  75. 

The  idea  of  Spring  is  here  visualized  by 
a  series  of  tableaux  accompanied  by  de- 
scriptive readings,  song  and  dance,  the 
whole  being  woven  into  a  fantasy.  The 
following  poems  are  read  wholly  or  in  part: 
Herrick's  To  Daff^odils  and  Corinna's  May- 
ing; Tennyson's  The  Brook  and  The  May 
Queen ;  Longfellow's  Spring,  The  Return 
of  Spring,  and  The  Brook;  Wordsworth's 
The  Daflfodils ;  Emerson's  May-day ;  and 
Browning's  Song  from  Pippa  Passes. — 
Prefatory  note. 

Springtime  fantasy.     COI. 

"The  time  has  come,  O  Birds,  and  Bees, 
and  Flowers 
To   crown   Spring  Queen  o'er   all   the 
earth  and  sky." 

An  allegorical  play  in  one  act  for  fifteen 
boys,  twenty-six  girls  and  extras.  May  be 
given  by  nine  boys  and  eight  girls.  Direc- 
tions given.    Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Spy.    LAS,  p.  108. 

A  dramatic  interview  between  Washing- 
ton and  Harvey  Birch,  taken  from  Cooper's 
novel.     For  three  boys.     Simple  directions. 

Spy.    See  also  Washington  and  the 
spy. 

Stag.    PR,  p.  87. 

How  a  stag's  beautiful  antlers  cost  him 
his  life.  Two  very  short  acts  for  three 
little  children. 

Stag  and  the  fawn.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  19. 

The  same  story.  For  three  little  children. 

Standish  of  Standish.  WOO,  p.  1. 

Scenes  from  Jane  G.  Austin's  story  of 
the  Plymouth  settlement  arranged  in  five 
acts  for  class  use.  The  fifth  act  tells  of 
the  Captain's  wooing. 


Standish  of  Standish.  See  also 
Courtship  of  Miles  Standish ;  Maid 
of  Plymouth;  Miles  Standish; 
Priscilla,  Myles  and  John. 

Star  dollars.    G,  p.  99. 

How  a  little  girl's  kindness  to  others  was 
rewarded  and  the  stars  that  fell  in  showers 
became  silver  dollars  that  could  buy  every- 
thing she  might  want.  In  narrative  and 
dramatic  form.  For  three  boys  and  three 
girls. 

Star  in  the  east.    SKA,  p.  205. 

Dramatized  version  in  verse  of  the  sa- 
cred story.  The  scenes  are  laid  on  the  hills 
outside  Jerusalem  and  at  the  manger.  The 
characters  are  the  three  shepherds,  the 
three  kings,  Joseph,  Mary,  and  choruses  of 
angels  and  children.  Songs  are  familiar 
carols.    Short.    Few  directions. 

Star-spangled  banner.     HX,  p.  101. 

A  story  of  the  attack  on  Fort  McHenry 
and  of  how  our  national  song  came  to  be 
written.  One  act  play  for  five  boys.  For 
third  or  fourth  grades. 

Steadfast  princess.    ME. 

Ursula,  adopted  daughter  of  the  Toy- 
master,  learns  that  she  is  a  princess  and 
must  rule  a  kingdom.  Although  she  finds 
this  no  gentle  task,  she  bravely  keeps  her 
promise, 

"To   be  a  true  queen,   steadfast  to  the 
end." 

A  poetic  play  in  two  acts  by  Cornelia 
Meigs.  For  eleven  boys,  three  girls,  and 
many  extras.  Directions  given.  Drama 
League  prize  play  for  children,  1915. 

Stolen  charm.    WI,  p.  84. 

An  ogre  steals  a  charm  given  to  a  little 
boy  by  a  foam  fairy.  But  a  fox  cub,  a 
puppy,  and  a  rat  who  are  the  boy's  best 
friends  get  it  for  him  again.  A  story  from 
the  Japanese  arranged  in  seven  parts  for 
primary  grades. 

Stone  in  the  road.    LA,  p.  66. 

A  duke  who  wished  to  know  whether  his 
people  were  willing  to  do  hard  things  had 
a  large  stone  placed  in  the  middle  of  the 
road.  But  no  one  would  take  the  trouble 
to  move  it,  and  so  none  found  the  bag  of 
gold  hidden  underneath.  In  narrative  form, 
with  helps  for  dramatization. 


94 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Stone  in  the  road.    SK,  p.  35. 

A  farmer,  an  old  woman,  and  a  soldier 
pass  by  the  stone  in  the  middle  of  the  high- 
road, but  a  farmer's  boy  rolls  it  out  of  the 
way  and  finds  a  bag  of  gold.  In  narrative 
form. 

Stone  of  gratitude.     LAN,  p.  134. 

A  snake,  out  of  gratitude  to  a  king  who 
has  given  her  protection,  brings  to  him  the 
topaz  stones  which  restore  to  him  his  sight. 
Arranged  from  an  Oriental  legend  for  six 
parts. 

Stormy  scenes  in  the  Varden  house- 
hold.    BRO,  p.  47. 

Mrs.  Varden,  of  uncertain  temper,  dis- 
misses Miggs,  her  former  comforter  in 
trouble,  whom  Mr.  Varden  considers  to  be 
all  the  plagues  of  Egypt  in  one.  Three 
scenes  from  Barnaby  Rudge  for  four  boys 
and  three  girls.  Costume  illustration.  Full 
directions.    Plays  twenty-eight  minutes. 

Stormy  times.     TU,  p.  137. 

A  story  of  the  rebellion  in  early  New 
York. — Contents.  For  three  boys  and  ex- 
tras.   Very  short. 

Story  of  Ali  Cogia.    ST,  bk.  3,  p.  78. 

A  dishonest  merchant  steals  a  thousand 
pieces  of  gold  which  Ali  Cogia  has  left  with 
him  concealed  in  a  jar  of  olives.  Two 
scenes  arranged  from  the  Arabian  Nights 
for  nine  boys  and  one  girl. 

Story  of  Circe.     MA,  p.  90. 

How  Ulysses,  protected  against  her  en- 
chantments, enters  the  palace  of  Circe  to 
set  free  his  companions  whom  she  has 
changed  to  swine.  Arranged  in  four  scenes 
from  Hawthorne  for  three  boys  and  one 
gjrl. 

Story  of  Gluck.    DUN,  p.  151. 

How  Gluck,  the  youngest  brother,  re- 
deems the  Treasure  Valley  through  mercy 
and  unselfishness.  Dramatized  in  four 
scenes  from  The  King  of  the  Golden  River 
by  John  Ruskin.  For  eight  boys.  Simple 
directions. 

Story  of  Gluck.  See  also  Destruc- 
tion of  Treasure  Valley;  King  of 
the  Golden  River;  Southwest 
Wind's  visit  to  Gluck;  Strange 
visitor. 


Story  of  Joseph.    DUN,  p.  67. 

The  story  of  the  young  dreamer  who  be- 
came "ruler  over  all  Egypt,"  dramatized 
from  the  Bible.  Five  scenes.  For  fifteen 
boys  and  extras  as  merchants  and  servants. 
Simple  directions. 


Story  of  the  Armada, 
series. 


MAB,  first 


"Here  shall  you  see  set  forth  before  you 
How  English  sailors  Spain's  Armada 
broke." 

A  three  act  play  about  the  days  of  good 
Queen  Bess.  For  twelve  boys,  four  girls, 
and  extras.  Costume  illustrations.  Music 
suggested.    Full  directions. 

Story  that  had  no  end.     LA,  p.  10; 
WI,  p.  55. 

How  a  story-teller  won  a  princess  and  a 
kingdom.  In  narrative  form  with  helps  for 
dramatization. 

In  narrative  form  for  use  in  primary 
grades. 

Story   that   had   no   end.      See   also 
Endless  tale. 

Strange  friendship  explained.  SK,  p. 

22. 

The  other  animals  of  the  forest  wonder 
why  the  lion  and  elephant  are  such  strong 
friends.    In  narrative  form. 

Strange  lands.     SKB,  p.  56. 

Poem  by  Laurence  Alma-Tadema  ar- 
ranged for  four  parts. 

Strange  visitor.     LA,  p.  173. 

The  most  extraordinary  looking  little 
gentleman  Gluck  had  ever  seen  knocks  at 
his  door.  Narrative  from  the  King  of  the 
Golden  River,  with  helps  for  dramatization. 

Strange  visitor.     See  also  Destruc- 
tion of  Treasure  Valley;  King  of 
the     Golden     River;      Southwest 
Wind's  visit  to   Gluck;   Story  of 
Gluck. 

Stranger's  visit.     BRO,  p.  70. 

Barnaby's  father,  a  wanderer  upon  the 
earth,  visits  Mrs.  Rudge's  cottage,  sees 
Barnaby  and  threatens  vengeance  unless 
they  use  him  well.  One  scene  from  Barn- 
aby Rudge  for  two  boys  and  one  girl.    Cos- 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


95 


tume    illustration.     Full    directions.     Plays 
twenty  minutes. 

Strategy  of  Director  Kieft.    TU,  p. 

50. 

A  story  of  how  the  money  was  raised 
for  the  building  of  the  first  church  in  New 
Amsterdam. — Contents.  For  six  boys,  one 
girl,  and  extras.    Very  short. 

Strongest:  who?  or  which?    WI,  p. 

30. 

Mr.  Rabbit  tries  to  find  something 
stronger  than  the  ice  on  the  pond.  A 
southern  folk  tale  in  narrative  form  adapted 
for  use  in  primary  grades. 

Sun  and  the  wind.    PR,  p.  46. 

The  wind  wishes  to  prove  itself  stronger 
than  the  sun,  but  is  forced  to  learn  that 
blowing  and  blustering  are  not  always  the 
signs  of  great  strength.  For  three  little 
children. 

Sun  Goddess.    MAD,  p.  149. 

"Oh,  weather  be  clear ! 
Oh.  weather  be  clear  ! 
Sun  goddess,  draw  near! 
Sun  goddess,  draw  near !" 

The  mirror  which  reflects  the  beauty  of 
some  little  Japanese  maidens  so  that  they 
forget  the  approach  of  the  Sun  Goddess 
and  fail  to  worship  her,  is  used  by  the  poet 
O  Ku  Re  to  entice  the  Goddess  from  her 
retreat  and  to  induce  her  to  restore  sun- 
light to  the  earth.  A  "masque  of  old  Japan" 
for  five  older  boys,  eleven  older  girls,  and 
many  extras.  The  Mikado  music  may  be 
used.  Costumes  described.   Directions  given. 

Sun  Goddess.     See   also   Flight  of 
the  Sun  Goddess. 

Sunbonnet  babies.    NO,  p.  10. 

A  little  frolic  for  the  Overall  boys  and 
Sunbonnet  babies  who  have  a  picnic  over 
in  the  grove.  For  twenty  or  more  little 
children. 

Sunbonnets  and  overalls :  a  dramatic 

reader  and  an  operetta.    HO. 

"The  presentation  of  this  operetta  re- 
quires from  ten  to  twenty  little  boys  and 
girls  under  the  age  of  seven  years.  If  de- 
sired, some  of  the  little  plays  and  verses  in 
the  reader  also  may  be  used  in  the  operetta." 
For  eight  principal  characters,  four  boys 
and   four  girls.    The  thirteen   songs   have 


simple  words  and  melodies.  Costumes  as 
shown  in  illustrations.  Full  directions. 
Plays  about  one  hour. 

Susie's  dream.     SK,  p.  26. 

Susie  falls  asleep  and  dreams  that  the 
farm  animals  come  to  see  whether  they 
want  to  trade  their  babies  for  her  own 
little  sister.  In  narrative  form,  adapted 
from  Sydney  Dare. 

Swan,  hold  fast.    SK,  p.  134. 

How  a  magic  swan  helped  Peter,  the 
youngest  brother,  to  make  the  princess 
laugh,  and  so  to  win  her  and  half  the  king- 
dom.   Narrative  adapted  from  Grimm. 

Swan,  hold  fast.     See  also  Golden 
goose. 

Sweet  red  rose.    BRY,  p.  24. 

A  tiny  poem  for  two  little  children. 

Sweetbriar:  a  pastoral  with  songs. 
BR. 

"Heigh  for  the  green  wood  in  the  Spring ! 
What  better  life  can  the  seasons  bring?" 

A  poetic  May  day  play  in  four  acts  by 
D.  G.  Browne.  For  six  boys,  three  girls, 
and  extras.  Time  about  the  year  12 — .  Il- 
lustrations by  Edith  Calvert  suggest  cos- 
tumes. 

Tables  turned.    HA,  p.  91. 

An  idle  wish  turns  MoUie  and  Jack  into 
dolls,  and  gives  Punch  and  Judy  a  chance 
for  revenge.  For  three  boys  and  two  girls. 
Full  directions.    Humorous.    Short. 

Tale  of  two  cities.    SI,  second  year, 
p.  47. 

Four  scenes  arranged  from  Dickens  for 
High  School  use:  The  honest  tradesman 
at  home;  Knitting;  Still  knitting;  The 
knitting  done.  For  eleven  boys  and  three 
girls. 

Tales  of  a  traveller.    See  Adventure 
of  my  aunt. 

Tales  of  a  wayside  inn.     SI,  third 

year,  p.  42. 

Arranged  in  two  scenes  for  High  School 
use  from  Longfellow.  The  first  is  a  series 
of  stage  pictures  showing  the  Squire's 
guests,  with  descriptions  from  the  poem 
given  by  a  Reader.  In  the  second,  the 
Landlord,  the  Musician  and  the  Poet  relate 


96 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


their    tales.     For    seven    boys.     Directions 
given. 

Talisman.    FIB. 

Brief  dramatization  of  the  novel  of  the 
name,  using  as  far  as  possible  the  language 
of  the  book.  Intended  for  class  room  use 
rather  than  for  actual  presentation.  In 
eleven  scenes  for  eleven  boys  and  four 
girls. 

Talisman.    LAS,  p.  63. 

The  action  of  this  short  scene  from 
Scott's  novel  of  Richard,  king  of  England, 
and  the  third  crusade  takes  place  in  the 
tent  of  King  Richard,  when  Sir  Kenneth 
is  condemned  to  death  and  his  execution 
is  stayed  by  Hakim's  appeal.  It  is  intended 
that  the  dramatization  should  be  preceded 
by  an  account  of  the  story  up  to  this  point. 
For  six  boys  and  two  girls.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

Talisman.    LUB,  v.  1,  p.  98. 

The  meeting  of  Sir  Kenneth  and  the 
Saracens  forms  the  first  of  six  scenes  ar- 
ranged for  school  use  from  Scott's  novel, 
the  last  being  the  combat  at  Saladin's  pal- 
ace. Four  fourteen  boys,  and  many  other 
characters  without  spoken  parts. 

Talisman.    WOO,  p.  220. 

Arranged  from  Sir  Walter  Scott's  novel 
in  five  acts  for  class  use. 

Tempest.    LAS,  p.  97. 

Three  scenes  adapted  from  Shakespeare. 
Two  songs  with  music.  For  two  boys  and 
two  girls.    Simple  directions. 

Tertulla's  garden.    MEB,  p.  25. 

"The  miracle  of  good  St.  Valentine,"  a 
priest  of  the  Christian  church  in  Rome,  but 
called  by  him  a  miracle  of  youth  and  love. 
Founded  on  a  legend.  One  act.  For  four 
older  boys,  three  older  girls,  and  extras. 
Directions   for  costumes   and   presentation. 

Testing  of  Sir  Gawayne.     MEB,  p. 
209. 

"Takes  place  at  King  Arthur's  court  in 
merry  Carlisle,  on  the  Eve  of  All-Hallow- 
mass  when  strange  things  happen ;  .  .  when 
the  wicked  crafts  of  sorcery  work  havoc 
with  knightly  adventure,  and  when  en- 
chantments bring  about  marvelous  endings 
in  affairs  of  love."  One  act.  For  nine  boys, 
four  girls,  and  extras.    Directions. 


Thankful  heart.     WIC,  p.  151. 

"Thanksgiving  children"  from  other  lands 
visit  Elsie,  a  little  cripple,  tell  her  how  they 
celebrated  their  harvest  feasts,  and  find  that 
she  has  the  best  gift  of  all,— the  thankful 
heart.  For  three  boys  and  five  girls.  Sug- 
gestions for  staging  and  costumes. 

Thanksgiving  day — 1696.     LUA,  p. 
183. 

"The  Thanksgiving  about  to  be  celebrated 
is  the  first  for  four  years,  as  New  England 
has  been  suffering  on  account  of  the  super- 
stitious belief  in  witches."  Characters  are  a 
Puritan  mother,  her  five  daughters,  a  little 
Quaker  girl,  a  little  Dutch  girl,  children  in 
witch  dance,  classes  of  children.  Two  short 
scenes. 

Thanksgiving  dream.    HA,  p.  121. 

The  fairies  and  the  Genius  of  Thanks- 
giving with  his  attendant  sprites.  Rosy- 
cheeked  apple.  Red  Cranberry,  Golden 
Pumpkin,  Miss  Mince  Pie  and  others,  visit 
a  tired  little  girl  in  her  sleep.  The  dream 
is  a  happy  one  and  so  is  the  awakening. 
One  act.  •  For  five  boys  and  twelve  girls. 

Theft  of  Thistledown.    B. 

Thistledown,  a  fairy,  steals  a  neglected 
earth  baby  and  brings  it  to  fairyland.  He 
is  then  doomed  by  the  fairy  queen  to  fill 
that  "place  of  pain"  until 

"The  world  growing  better,  mankind 
Shall  give  to  its  children  one  half 
Of  the  care  that's  now  lavished  on  gold." 
For  six  boys,  nine  girls,  and  extras.    Cos- 
tunics  illustrated.    Directions  given.    Short. 

Their  Christmas  party.     C,  p.  73. 

Dick  and  Dot,  a  lonely  little  brother  and 
sister,  decide  to  share  their  Christmas  with 
two  poor  children,  while  several  older 
friends,  hearing  the  cliildren's  wish  for  a 
Christmas  party,  plan,  independently  of 
each  other,  to  arrange  one.  The  result  is  a 
Christmas  surprise  for  everyone. — Contents. 
Two  acts.  For  four  boys,  five  girls,  and 
.  one  man  as  Santa  Claus.  Easy  costuming. 
Notes  on  setting.    Plays  thirty-five  minutes, 

Theseus.     COA,  p.  149. 

How  Theseus  found  his  way  through  the 
labyrinth  and  slew  the  Minotaur.  Six  scenes 
for  eleven  boys  and  five  girls. 


INDEX   TO   PLAYS 


97 


Theseus.    MA,  p.  77. 

The  same  story  arranged  from  Haw- 
thorne in  four  scenes  for  five  boys  and 
three  girls. 

Thickhead.     BUB,  p.  35. 

Burgess,  a  village  lad  called  Thickhead, 
sails  to  the  Moorish  coast  vi^ith  some  wreck- 
ers in  search  of  plunder.  In  verse.  Three 
acts.  For  sixteen  boys  and  four  girls. 
Songs  and  a  May-pole  dance.  Full  direc- 
tions for  costumes  and  setting.    Humorous. 

Three  bears.    NO,  p.  93. 

How  Goldilocks  visits  the  bear's  house  in 
the  woods.  Three  short  acts  for  four  little 
children. 

Three  bears.    RI,  p.  59. 

"Now,  if  you  think  this  play  is  true 

It's  very,  very,  very  dull  of  you." 

The  lines  of  this  little  frolic  are  sung  to 

the   air,    "The   Duke   of    Lee."     Characters 

are  the  three  bears   and   Little   Silverhair. 

Short. 

Three  bears.    U,  p.  15. 

A  simple  version  in  one  scene  for  school 
use.  Five  songs  for  chorus.  For  two  boys 
and  two  girls.    Simple  directions. 

Three  bears.    See  also  Goldilocks. 
Three  little  Christmas  waits.    DUN, 
p.  117. 

Robin,  Dora  and  Nicholas  find  a  grand- 
father and  the  Old  Gentleman  in  the  Blue 
Cloak  finds  through  them  a  happy  Christ- 
mas. Dramatized  in  four  scenes  from  The 
Peace  Egg  by  Mrs.  Ewing.  For  three  boys, 
three  girls,  and  carolers.    Simple  directions. 

Three  little  kittens  of  the  land  of 

pie.    BUD,  p.  1. 

The  princesses  Kitty,  Malta  and  Angora 
betrothed  to  princes  of  neighboring  king- 
doms decide  to  give  them  the  mitten.  King 
Grimalkin,  their  father,  declares  that  unless 
they  take  the  mitten  back,  they  shall  never 
share  in  the  division  of  Treasury  Pie,  and 
will  have  to  eat  mustard  tart  the  remainder 
of  their  lives.  Operetta  in  two  acts.  Music 
by  Oscar  Weil.  For  six  boys,  three  girls, 
and  extras  as  courtiers  and  ladies-in-wait- 
ing.   Full  directions. 

Three   little    pigs.      See    House    of 
brick. 


Three  men  of  Gotham     SCB,  p.  8. 

Hodge  and  Peter  quarrel  over  nothing, 
and  James  displays  his  foolishness  in  show- 
ing them  that  they  have  no  wit.  For  three 
boys. 

Three  men  of  Gotham.  See  also 
Wise  men  of  Gotham  in  Lansing^s 
Quaint  old  stories  to  read  and  act, 
p.  1. 

Three  wishes.    BE,  p.  249. 

"From  far-distant  valleys,  behind  the 
Great  Mountain 
Undreamt  of  by  mortals,  I  hither  have 

come. 
Afloat  on  the  moonbeam  that  shines  in 

the  fountain. 
My  silvery  path  from  my  fairyland 

home." 
Singing  this  song,  a  Fairy  comes  to  visit 
Peter,  a  wood-cutter,  and  his  wife,  Rachel, 
in  their  poor  little  cottage.   Songs  with  mu- 
sic.   Costumes  suggested.    Directions  given. 

Three  wishes.     MAI,  p.  153. 

A  French  folk  play  in  one  act,  in  which 
Andre  Renaud  and  his  wife  learn  that  "it 
is  better  to  have  enough  of  anything  than 
too  much."  For  two  boys  and  one  girl. 
Costumes  described.  Directions  given. 
Plays  about  fifteen  minutes. 

Through  the  looking  glass.  LUA, 
p.  51 ;  LUB,  V.  1,  p.  23. 

"To  the  Looking-GIass  world  it  was  Alice 

that  said, 
'I've  a  scepter  in  hand,  I've  a  crown  on  my 

head; 
Let  the  Looking-Glass  creatures,  whatever 

they  be. 
Come  and   dine  with  the  Red   Queen,  the 

White  Queen  and  me !'  " 
A  dramatization  from  Lewis  Carroll's 
story  by  the  dramatic  club  of  a  New  York 
City  public  school.  Eight  scenes.  For  five 
boys,  eight  girls  and  Reader.  Plays  thirty- 
five  minutes. 

Through  the  looking-glass.     NI,  p. 

123. 

Five  short  scenes  arranged  for  second 
grade  children.  Includes :  The  garden  of 
live  flowers ;  Alice  and  the  Red  Queen ; 
Looking-glass  insects ;  Tweedledum  and 
Tweedledee;  Alice  and  the  two  queens. 
From  two  to  six  characters. 


98 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


Through  the  looking-glass.  See  also 
Alice  in  Wonderland;  Mad  tea- 
party;  Through  the  looking-glass; 
Tweedledum  and  Tweedledee. 

Tiger  and  the  Brahman.  SKB,  p. 
159. 

How  a  jackal's  cleverness  saves  a  Brah- 
man from  an  ungrateful  tiger.  For  six 
little  children. 

Tiger  and  the  Brahman.  See  also 
Brahman,  the  tiger,  and  the  six 
judges. 

Tight  corner.    HAB,  p.  92. 

A  Jacobite  refugee  hiding  in  a  Campbell 
household  is  helped  out  of  many  a  tight 
place  by  Alison  Graham  and  her  brave 
little  brother  and  sister.  Four  scenes.  For 
five  boys  and  five  girls.  Costumes  de- 
scribed.    Directions  given. 

Time  and  the  seasons.  HOA,  p. 
162. 

Father  Time  calls  his  children,  the  sea- 
sons, together  to  give  them  order  for  the 
New  Year.    For  one  boy  and  four  girls. 

Timid  hare.    SKB,  p.  22. 

A  little  acorn  falls  upon  a  leaf  and 
makes  a  noise  which  frightens  a  little  hare 
who  tells  all  her  friends  that  the  sky  is 
falling.    For  seven  little  children. 

Timid  hare.  See  also  Flight  of  the 
beasts. 

Tina's  images.    OLB,  p.  51. 

Tina,  the  little  Italian  maid,  has  lost  her 
wax  figures  which  she  is  taking  to  the  city 
to  sell.  She  does  not  know  that  the  old 
Beggar  passed  by  as  she  was  sleeping.  She 
only  thinks  that  the  Blessed  Virgin  is 
angry  and  has  taken  the  Images  away. 
Heartbroken  she  follows  the  Procession  to 
the  church  to  pray,  and  behold  !  she  finds 
her  Images  waiting  for  her  there. — Pro- 
gram. Two  acts.  For  two  girls  and  any 
number  of  peasants, — men,  women  and 
children.  Designs  for  costumes.  Simple 
directions. 


Tinder-box.     BE,  p.  213. 

"You  little  know, 
As  forth  you  go, 
What  magic  thing  lies  hid  below ! 
The  tinder-box,  of  power  untold, 
More  precious  far  than  gold !" 
How  a  soldier  wins  a  princess  through 
magic.    Four  scenes  for  five  boys  and  three 
girls.     Songs   with  music.     Costumes   sug- 
gested.    Full  directions. 

To  save  his  country.     KR,  p.  93. 

A  lad's  devotion  to  Bonaparte  and  his 
return  home,  wounded,  on  the  afternoon 
before  Pesah.  Contains  many  allusions  to 
Passover  customs.  One  act.  For  six  boys 
and  four  girls.  Full  directions.  For  Jew- 
ish religious  schools.     Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Toinette  and  the  elves.     C,  p.  31. 

Toinette,  pretty,  dreamy,  and  self-ab- 
sorbed, tries  the  elves'  Christmas-Eve  gift 
of  fern-seed,  to  make  her  invisible,  and 
learns  that  the  little  brothers  and  sisters 
do  not  love  an  impatient  and  unkind  older 
one.  Much  grieved,  she  tries  through  the 
year  to  correct  her  faults,  but  is  almost 
afraid  to  repeat  the  experiment  when  the 
elves  again  bring  their  gift.  The  friendly 
elves  urge  her,  and  the  result  is  so  happy 
that  Toinette  and  the  elves  have  a  gay 
little  celebration  all  by  themselves. — Con- 
tents. From  the  story  by  Susan  Coolidge. 
Two  acts.  For  six  boys,  three  girls,  and 
one  woman.  Notes  on  costume  and  setting. 
Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Tom  and  the  lobster.     SKB,  p.  117. 

Tom  helps  a  lobster  to  get  out  of  a 
lobster  pot.    For  two  little  children. 

Tom,  the  piper's  son.    JO,  p.  93. 

How  Tom  learns  to  play  Over  the  Hills 
and  Far  Away.  Two  short  acts  for  three 
little  girls  and  three  little  boys. 

Tom  Tit  Tot.    LAN,  p.  84. 

"Nimmy.  nimmy  not, 
Your  name's  Tom  Tit  Tot." 
Old   English    folk   tale   arranged   in    five 
short  scenes  for  two  boys  and  two  girls. 

Tom  Tit  Tot.     WI. 

A  similar  arrangement  intended  for  use 
in  primary  grades. 

Tom's  plan.    C,  p.  53. 

Tom,  hearing  that  Santa  Claus  will  bring 
sticks   or  ashes   to   children   who  are  bad, 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


99 


can  think  of  no  way  to  test  the  disturb- 
ing statement,  except  to  be  as  naughty  as 
he  knows  how.  But  Santa  Claus  explains 
matters. — Contents.  Two  acts.  For  four 
boys,  four  girls,  and  one  man.  Ordinary 
costumes  except  for  Santa  Claus.  A  home 
setting.     Plays  twenty-five  minutes. 

Torch.    TY,  p.  35. 

"Bow  your  heads,  ye  powers  of  evil. 
Strife  and  Greed  and  Enmity. 
We  do  not  stand  as  one  against  you 

Bound  forever  ye  shall  be 
Till  the  Light   shall  banish  darkness, 
And  its  truth  shall  make  us  free." 
With  this  Song  of  Service  on  their  lips 
the  People  give  to  Democracy  a  precious 
oil    which    poured    upon    the    living    spark 
guarded    by    Liberty   makes    it    a    flame   to 
make    light   and    safe   the   World    for    De- 
mocracy.     Simple    directions.      For    many 
characters. 

Tom  dresses.     ST,  bk.  1,  p.  94. 

How  Daniel  Boone  rescued  some  little 
girls  stolen  by  the  Indians.  Three  short 
scenes  for  four  little  boys  and  three  little 
girls. 

Tortoise  and  the  hare.    NO,  p.  46. 

How  slow  and  steady  can  win  the  race 
every  time.     For  three  little  children. 

Tortoise  and  the  hare.  See  also  Hare 
and  Tortoise. 

Town    meeting   in    Botetourt,    Vir- 
ginia, 1860.     LUA,  p.  83. 

Several  schoolboys  are  studying  about  the 
Civil  war  and  the  assigned  lesson  is  "states' 
rights."  They  decide  to  act  the  town  meet- 
ing. From  The  Long  Roll  by  Mary  John- 
ston. Two  scenes.  For  nine  boys,  and 
extras  as  members  of  Assembly.     Short. 

Town  musicians.     BRY,  p.  88. 

Donkey,  dog,  cat,  and  rooster  travel 
through  the  forest  together  and  frighten 
some  robbers  away  from  the  house.  For 
seven  little  children. 

Town  musicians.     See  also  Bremen 

town  musicians. 

Toy  shop.    BL,  v.  1,  p.  33. 

The  toys  come  to  life  at  the  midnight 
hour,  and  long  to  be  bought  and  go  out  in 
the  world.  For  twelve  or  more  little  boys 
and  girls.    Short.    Simple  directions. 


Toy  shop.     I. 

The  toys  in  the  shop  of  Timothy  Tack- 
hammer,  toymaker,  come  to  life  at  the 
touch  of  Bright-Eyes,  a  fairy.  By  F.  S. 
Isham  and  E.  Weitzel.  Number  of  char- 
acters entirely  discretionary.  Stage  very 
simple.  Costumes  as  much  like  toys  rep- 
resented as  possible.     Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Toy-shop.     P. 

"This  is  the  Toy-shop  adventure : 

Sure  as  the  darkness,  the  Fairies  arrive ; 

Slowly  the  clock  strikes  the  midnight ; 
Instantly  all  of  the  dolls  come  alive. 

But  at  the  five  o'clock  warning, 

(Everything    ends    with    the    coming    of      , 
day.)  0 

Dolls   become    dolls    again,   night   becomes 
morning, 
Puck  and  his  fairies  go  speeding  away." 

An  operetta  in  one  act  by  Mary  Packer. 
For  five  boys  and  fourteen  girls.  Costumes 
described.     Music  for  songs  and  dances. 

Tracks  to  the  den.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  44. 

The  fox  is  much  too  clever  to  be  trapped 
by  the  lion  and  his  mate.  For  seven  little 
children. 

Transformation  of  lo.     CO  A,  p.  16. 

For  jealousy  Juno  sets  Argus,  the  hun- 
dred-eyed, to  guard  lo  whom  Jupiter  has 
changed  into  a  heifer.  Mercury  destroys 
Argus,  and  lo  becomes  a  nymph  once  more. 
Four  scenes  for  three  boys  and  one  girl. 

Trap.    HAB,  p.  17. 

A  strong  resemblance  between  Catholic 
count  and  Huguenot  courtier  serves  to  save 
the  life  of  a  Huguenot  maiden  on  the  Eve 
of  St.  Bartholomew  in  1572.  Six  scenes. 
For  seven  boys,  four  girls,  and  extras. 
Costumes   described.     Directions  given. 

Traveler  and  the  camel.    SK,  p.  120. 

A  lone  traveler  on  the  desert  tells  some 
merchants  how  to  find  their  lost  camel. 
Adapted  from  Maria  Edgeworth,  and  given 
in  narrative  form. 

Travelers   and  the  hatchet.     LAN, 

p.  109. 

He  who  will  not  share  his  prize  cannot 
share  the  danger  when  accused  of  theft. 
Arranged  from  Aesop  for  three  boys. 
Short. 


100 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


Travelers  and  the  hatchet.     ST,  bk. 
5,  p.  1. 

Another  adaptation  of  Aesop's  fable  for 
three  boys. 

Treason  of   Benedict   Arnold.     ST, 
bk.  5,  p.  251. 

How  General  Arnold  gives  the  plans  of 
West  Point  to  Major  Andre,  who  is  inter- 
cepted in  his  llight  by  three  patriot  farmers, 
how  Arnold's  treason  is  discovered  by 
General  Washington,  and  how  Andre  is 
condemned  to  suffer  death  as  a  spy.  Five 
acts  for  twenty-nine  boys,  one  girl,  and 
extras. 

^  Treasure  Island.    SI,  first  year,  p.  7. 

Two  scenes  arranged  from  Stevenson : 
In  the  enemy's  camp  and  The  way  out. 
For  seven  boys  and  extras.  For  High 
School  use. 

Trial  trip  of  the  Clermont.     HX,  p. 
161. 

How  the  first  steamboat  made  its  trial 
voyage  down  the  Fludson  River.  A  play  in 
one  act  for  third  and  fourth  grade  chil- 
dren.    For  five  boys  and  extras. 

Tribute  to  America.     LUA,  p.  261. 

This  short  dramatic  exercise  and  one  fol- 
lowing, called  an  Apostrophe  to  the  Flag, 
were  arranged  for  morning  assembly  in  a 
school  made  up  largely  of  children  from 
foreign  lands. 

Triumph   of   Democracy.     PAA,  p. 
49. 

A  pageant  of  representative  government, 
in  five  episodes,  showing  the  trial  of  three 
forms  of  government  (Communism,  Autoc- 
racy, and  Democracy)  and  the  final  triumph 
of  Democracy. — Contents.  May  be  given 
out  of  doors.  Episodes  may  be  presented 
separately.  For  many  children.  Costumes 
suggested.     Simple  directions. 

Troll  magic.  MAI,  p.  125. 

Yolande  breaks  the  evil  spell  of  the  trolls 
and  learns  that  "to  those  who  strive  with- 
out fear,  all  things  are  possible."  A  Nor- 
wegian folk  play  in  one  act  for  eight  boys, 


three    girls,    and    extras, 
scribed.     Directions  given. 


Costumes    de- 


Troll   of  the   mountains.      OLB,   p. 
87. 

Lisbeth  while  wandering  near  the  forest 
is  stolen  by  Bat  Brother  and  Mole  Brother 
and  other  Trolls  and  Goblins  and  is  held 
captive  in  their  caverns  deep  beneath  the 
earth.  At  last  she  is  rescued  by  Hugo,  the 
Count's  noble  son,  who  finds  the  crimson 
magic  cup  of  the  Troll-King  who  is  forced 
to  give  him  the  captive  maiden,  to  win 
back  his  elfin  cap.  And  Lisbeth  returns 
to  the  Mountains  once  more. — Program. 
Three  acts.  For  four  boys  and  one  girl, 
"and  many  other  Goblins  and  Trolls  who 
live  in  the  Mountains."  Designs  for  cos- 
tumes.    Simple  directions. 

Troubles  on  land  and  sea.     STA,  p. 
96. 

A  picture  of  the  Pilgrims  in  Holland,  on 
board  the  Mayflower  and  in  America,  end- 
ing with  the  treaty  with  Massasoit.  Three 
acts.  For  forty-one  boys,  thirteen  girls 
and  extras,  but  parts  may  be  doubled. 
Simple  directions. 

True  Thomas.    FRG. 

"Dost  thou  see  yon  sword  and  horn?  He 
who  is  of  pure  soul  and  fearless  heart  and 
who  shall  draw  the  sword  and  blow  the 
horn  shall  be  king  of  this  land." 

Thomas  of  Ercildoune,  rhymer  and 
prophet,  chooses  thus  by  the  law  of  Faery 
a  King  who  fears  not  when  his  country 
standcth  at  the  goal.  For  three  boys,  one 
girl,  and  extras.    Short.     Simple  directions. 

Tune  of  a  tune.     DR,  Feb.,  1920,  p. 
.184. 

"A  tune  of  a  tune,  that's  magic  itself. 
That  changes  a  lass  from  a  lass  to  an  elf — 
From  an  elf  to  a  faun — a  faun  that  is  free — 
'Tis  a  tune  that  I  learned  at  me  wild  moth- 
er's knee." 
Egan,   a   children's   peddler,   whistles   the 
tune  and  Sheila  O'Griffen  follows  him  away 
to  freedom,  leaving  Mr.  Barstow,  a  country 
gentleman,  to  find  out  that  he  wants  Sheila's 
aunt.   Miss   Pringle,   to   become   a   Barstow 
instead  of  Sheila  herself.     An  Irish  playlet, 
written  by  Dan  W.  Totheroh.   For  two  older 
boys  and  two  older  girls,  or  for  adults.    Di- 
rections. 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


101 


Tweedledum  and  Tweedledee.  DUN, 
p.  21.  \ 

"Tweedledum  and  Tweedledee 

Agreed  to  have  a  battle; 
For  Tweedledum  said  Tweedledee 

Had  spilled  his  nice  new  rattle. 

"Just  then  flew  down  a  monstrous  crow, 
As  black  as  a  tar  barrel; 
Which  frightened  both  the  heroes  so, 
They  quite  forgot  their  quarrel." 
Dramatized    in    one    scene    from    Lewis 
Carroll's  Through  the  Looking-Glass.    For 
four  boys  and  one  girl.    Costumes  from  il- 
lustrations.   Simple  directions. 

Tweedledum  and  Tweedledee.     See 
also  Through  the  looking-glass. 

Twelfth  night  festivities.     WIS,  p. 
25. 

The  Twelfth  Night  Festival  is  of  Old 
English  origin.  It  receives  its  name  from 
the  fact  that  it  comes  the  twelfth  night  after 
Christmas  and  terminates  the  observance 
of  the  Nativity  of  Our  Lord.  Originally,  a 
festival  of  great  solemnity,  it  finally  became 
one  of  jocularity  when  all  laid  aside  their 
dignity  and  gave  free  play  to  the  general 
spirit  of  fun.  This  little  festival  attempts 
to  make  use  of  some  of  the  more  popular 
old  English  customs  in  such  a  way  as  to 
provide  opportunity  for  a  real  community 
party. — Introductory  Note. 

For  many  characters.    Directions  given. 

Twelve  months.    SK,  p.  91. 

Twelve  old  men  of  the  forest  help  gentle 
little  Katrinka,  and  punish  her  idle  and  lazy 
elder  sister,  Dobrunka.  A  Bohemian  tale 
in  narrative  form. 

Twice  told  tales.    See  David  Swan. 

Twig  of  thorn.    WAR. 

For  love  of  Oonah,  the  "rose  of  the 
world,"  Aileel,  a  wandering  poet,  takes 
upon  himself  the  curse  of  the  magic  thorn 
and  yields  himself  to  the  Faery  Hosts  of 
the  Air,  while  Oonah  and  Aengus,  a  peas- 
ant, celebrate  their  marriage  feast.  A  po- 
etic play  filled  with  the  spirit  of  Irish 
tradition.  Two  acts.  For  six  older  boys 
and  seven  older  girls.  Melodies  for  three 
songs  given.  Directions.  Plays  one  hour 
and  ten  minutes. 


Twisting  of  the  rope.    GRE,  p.  200. 

Red  Hanrahan,  wandering  bard  from 
Connacht,  tries  to  coax  Oona  from  her 
mother  and  her  lover  with  his  "share  of 
songs."  But  Sheamus  O'Heran  by  means 
of  a  ruse  shuts  the  door  on  his  rival  and 
releases  Oona  from  his  spell.  One  act. 
For  two  boys,  three  girls,  and  extras,  in- 
cluding a  piper  for  the  dance. 

Two  bad  fairies.    GX,  p.  91. 

In  their  efforts  to  thwart  each  other,  two 
bad  fairies  who  were  not  invited  to  the 
christening  of  the  little  princess  uncon- 
sciously heap  more  blessings  upon  her  head. 
One  act  for  three  persons. 

Two  countrymen,    ST,  bk.  3,  p.  109. 

Two  city  wags  play  a  joke  on  two  coun- 
trymen by  telling  them  that  in  the  city  they 
will  forget  who  they  are.  Two  scenes  for 
five  boys. 

Two  friends.    PR,  p.  50. 

A  bear  comes  upon  two  men  in  the  for- 
est, one  of  whom  runs  away,  and  the  other 
decides  that  cowards  are  incapable  of 
friendship.  Two  very  short  acts  for  three 
little  children. 

Two  holes.    ST,  bk.  1,  p.  1. 

An  old  lady  who  has  two  holes  in  her 
door  for  her  cats  learns  to  her  surprise 
that  the  small  cat  can  get  through  the  large 
hole.  A  very  short  dialogue  for  two  little 
girls. 

Two  little  kittens.     DO,  p.  7. 

Fluff  and  Muff  quarrel  over  a  mouse. 
Adapted  for  four  parts  from  a  poem  with 
this  title. 

Two  millers.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  40. 

Peter  the  stupid  and  Jacob  the  wise  deal 
very  differently  with  a  wicked  fox.  Two 
short  scenes  for  four  children. 

Two  questions.     ST,  bk.  2,  p.  90. 

King  John  pardons  an  abbot  for  the  sake 
of  a  shepherd's  clever  answers  to  his  ques- 
tions. Three  scenes  for  seven  boys  and 
extras. 

Two  questions.  See  also  Faithful 
shepherd;  King  John  and  the  ab- 
bot. 


102 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


Two  sisters.    DO,  p.  44. 

Mother  Holle  rewards  the  younger  sister 
with  gold  and  the  elder  with  pitch  accord- 
ing to  their  deserts.  Adapted  from  Grimm 
for  eleven  parts. 

Ugly  duckling.     SCB,  p.  199. 

The  ugly  duckling  finds  that  it  matters 
nothing  if  you  were  born  in  a  duck-yard,  if 
only  you  have  lain  in  a  swan's  egg.  Seven 
scenes  for  thirty  parts. 

Ugly  duckling.     ST,  bk.  3,  p.  48. 

The  same  story  in  three  scenes  for  twen- 
ty-three children. 

Ulysses.     See   Odyssey;   Return  of 
Odysseus. 

Ulysses  Simpson  Grant.    WAB. 

Eight  scenes  in  chronological  order  from 
the  life  of  Ulysses  S.  Grant.  From  three  to 
seven  characters  and  extras.  More  prac- 
tical for  school-room  use  than  for  actual 
dramatization. 

Uncle  Tom's  cabin.     D,  p.  91. 

Miss  Ophelia  learns  that  Topsy  just 
"growed,"  and  Topsy  learns  that  Miss  Eva 
really  cares  and  wants  her  to  be  good.  One 
scene.    For  three  girls.    Simple  directions. 

Underground  railroad.     RX,  no.  4. 

Some  boys  and  girls,  who  lived  in  Illi- 
nois about  the  year  1840,  help  Billee,  a 
runaway  slave  boy,  to  hide  from  his  mas- 
ter who  comes  in  search  of  him.  One  of 
the  Illinois  Centennial  plays.  For  four 
boys  and  four  girls.     Suggestions  given. 

Undine.    DU,  p.  245. 

A  poetic  dramatization  of  the  story  of 
the  lovely  water  nymph  who  wins  a  soul 
by  becoming  the  bride  of  a  mortal.  A 
five-act  play  for  four  boys  and  four  girls. 
Several  songs.  Costumes  described.  Stage 
directions. 

Unexpected  meeting.     BRO,  p.  103. 

Young  Mr.  Martin  Chuzzlewit  encounters 
Mr.  Montague  Tigg  at  the  money  lenders, 
and  finds  great  difficulty  in  persuading  him 
that  he  does  not  desire  the  honor  of  his 
company.  One  scene  from  Martin  Chuz- 
zlewit for  three  boys.  Costume  illustration. 
Full  directions.     Plays  ten  minutes. 


Vain  jackdaw.     ST,  bk.  2,  p.  45. 

Jackdaw  learns  that  fine  feathers  do  not 
make  fine  birds.  For  seven  or  more  little 
children. 

Vain  weathercock.   WI,  p.  122. 

A  weathercock  learns  that  he  is  not  so 
important  after  all.  For  five  children  in 
primary  grades. 

Vanishing  race.    MAH,  p.  71. 

A  one-act  historical  pageant-play  of  early 
Dutch  New  York.  "Many  of  the  words 
spoken  by  the  characters  are  taken  ver- 
batim from  old  letters,  diaries,  and  his- 
tories of  the  time." — Prefatory  note.  Four 
Indian  and  four  Dutch  characters,  with 
extras  as  Indians.  Music  suggested.  Cos- 
tume illustrations.     Directions  given. 

Vasco  Nunez  de  Balboa.    BI,  p.  19. 

Balboa  discovers  the  blue  Pacific  from  "a 
peak  in  Darien"  and  takes  possession  of  it 
in  the  name  of  the  king  of  Spain.  Five 
scenes  for  nine  boys,  one  girl,  and  extras. 

Venus  and  Cupid.     SY,  p.  117. 

A  sketch  for  a  ballet  in  two  parts.  The 
coming  of  Venus  and  the  education  of 
Cupid. 

Vicar  of  Wakefield.    SI,  fourth  year, 

p.  7. 

A  number  of  situations  from  Goldsmith's 
story  arranged  in  one  scene  for  High 
School  use  under  the  title  of  A  Pleasant 
Evening  with  the  Vicar.  For  five  boys, 
four  girls  and  extras. 

Victory  of  the  good  citizen.     PAA, 

p.  171. 

A  very  short  play,  showing  the  struggle 
between  a  small  citizen  and  some  of  the 
evils  which  threaten  the  health  of  his  city. 
— Contents.  For  eight  children.  Costumes 
suggested.     Simple  directions. 

Viking.     GOA,  bk.  1,  p.  33. 

How  the  people  of  Wessex  fared  under 
the  rule  of  Ethelred,  the  Unready,  and  how 
at  last  they  revolted  and  slew  the  Danes 
who  came  to  rob  them  of  their  gold.  Ten 
short  scenes.  For  seventeen  boys,  one  girl 
and  many  extras.     For  class-room  use. 

Village  shoemaker.     SX,  p.  167. 

A  wizard  shoemaker  comes  to  the  village 
where  Ralph  has  made  shoes  for  years.  The 


INDEX  TO   PLAYS 


103 


stranger  succeeds  in  taking  Ralph's  trade. 
By  means  of  magic  he  captures  some  of  the 
village  children  in  order  to  make  them 
work  for  him.  While  the  villagers  search 
for  the  lost  children,  the  Fairy  Godmother 
tells  Siegfried  how  he  can  destroy  the 
wizard's  magic  and  rescue  the  stolen  chil- 
dren.— Plot  of  the  play. 

Based  on  an  incident  in  a  story  by  Ann 
de  Morgan.  For  four  boys,  six  girls,  and 
groups.     Simple  suggestions. 

Virginia  children  of  long  ago.     TU, 
p.  150. 

A  story  of  plantation  days. — Contents. 
For  one  boy  and  three  girls.    Very  short. 

Vision  of  Columbus.     PAB,  p.  1. 

A  pageant  picturing  the  upward  struggle 
of  Democracy  through  the  centuries  until 
at  last  at  the  time  of  the  Great  War  Autoc- 
racy learns  that  the  world  has  done  with 
her.  For  many  characters.  Directions 
given. 

Vision  splendid.     GX,  p.  49. 

While  the  Three  Old  Men  sit  in  the  shade 
drinking,  the  Young  Man  answers  the  call 
of  the  Rider  to  cross  the  ford  and  storm  the 
enchanted  castle.  He  loses  his  life  but  finds 
the  flower  of  Fame  and  the  wreath  of  Vic- 
tory. One  act  for  five  persons.  Plays  fifteen 
minutes. 

Visit  to  the  water  babies.    LA,  p.  24. 

Tom  meets  Mrs.  Be-done-by-as-you-did. 
Narrative  from  Charles  Kingsley,  with 
helps  for  dramatization. 

Visit  to  the  water  babies.     See  also 
Water  baby.  ) 

Votes  for  fairies.    DE. 

A  playlet  in  one  act  for  two  boys  and 
two  girls.  The  skepticism  of  the  modern 
age  reduces  the  fairies  to  a  sad  plight  until 
the  "bump  of  prejudice"  has  been  pulled. 
Full  directions. 

Wampum  belts.     TU,  p.  60. 

A  story  of  Roger  Williams  in  the  Pequot 
war. — Contents.  For  five  boys  and  extras. 
Very  short. 

Washington  and  the  spy.     LA,  p. 

200. 

Harvey  Birch,  faithful  and  unrequited 
servant  of  his  country,  receives  from  Wash- 


ington a  certificate  of  honor.     From  Coop- 
er's Spy,  with  helps  for  dramatization. 

Washington  and  the  spy.    See  also 
Spy. 

Washington's  birthday.    NO,  p.  29. 

A  very  simple  little  celebration  by  a 
group  of  little  children,  introducing  the 
salute  to  the  flag  and  the  singing  of 
America. 

Washington's  birthday  pageant. 
MEC,  p.  33. 

Washington  Irving  sits  in  his  easy  chair 
in  the  library  at  Sunnyside,  while,  in  his 
fancy,  three  scenes  from  the  life  of  Wash- 
ington take  place.  For  sixteen  boys,  seven 
girls  and  extras.     Simple  directions. 

Washington's  message  to  Anychild. 
PAC,  p.  27. 

Mistress  History  shows  to  Anychild  a 
scene  from  Washington's  boyhood.  For 
three  boys  and  five  girls. 

Water  baby.    WI,  p.  133. 

Toin  searches  for  the  babies  in  the  sea,  scr 
that  he  may  have  someone  to  play  with. 
Narrative  from  Charles  Kingsley  for  use 
in  primary  grades. 

Water  baby.  See  also  Visit  to  the 
water  babies. 

Weather  hen.    SK,  p.  104. 

How  the  weather  hen  rules  the  winds 
although  the  weather  cock  gets  the  credit. 
Story  by  D.  C.  Calthorp. 

Wedding   of   Robin   Redbreast   and 

Jenny  Wren.     DO,  p.  59. 

King  and  queen  give  Robin  little  Jenny 
Wren  for  his  wife.  Adapted  for  eight  parts 
from  Elizabeth  Grierson's  Scottish  fairy 
tales. 

Wedding  of  Robin  Redbreast  and 
Jenny  Wren.  See  also  Marriage 
of  Wee  Robin;  Wee  Robin's  Yule 
song. 

Wee  Robin's  Yule  song.    SK,  p.  77. 

Wee  Robin  flies  away  to  the  king  to  sing 
him  a  bonnie  song,  and  finds  Wee  Wren 
for  his  wife.    In  narrative  form. 


X04 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


Wee  Robin's  Yule  song.  See  also 
Marriage  of  Wee  Robin;  Wedding 
of  Robin  Redbreast  and  Jenny 
Wren. 

Well  babies.    LUA,  p.  217. 

Written  for  the  annual  entertainment  of 
a  Little  Mothers'  League  in  a  New  York 
city  school.    For  five  girls  and  extras. 

Well  of  the  world's  end.    WI,  p.  47. 

A  frog  who  helps  a  girl  to  carry  home 
water  from  the  well  of  the  world's  end 
turns  into  a  prince.  Arranged  for  four 
children  in  primary  grades. 

Welsh,  The.     GOA,  bk.  2,  p.  36. 

To  the  Welsh  chieftains  who  demand  a 
prince  of  their  own,  born  on  the  soil  of 
Wales,  King  Edward  I  presents  his  infant 
son,  lately  born  in  Carnarvon  Castle.  Four 
scenes.  For  twelve  boys  and  many  extras. 
For  class-room  use. 

What  mother  says  is  always  right. 

DO,  p.  66. 

Five  little  mice  disobey  mother  and  are 
held  fast  when  they  run  into  a  trap.  For 
eleven  parts. 

What  the  goodman  does  is  always 

right.     LAN,  p.  61. 

The  goodman  exchanges  his  horse  for  a 
cow,  the  cow  for  a  sheep,  the  sheep  for  a 
goose,  the  goose  for  a  fowl,  the  fowl  for 
a  bag  of  rotten  apples, — and  still  his  wife 
says  that  what  the  goodman  does  is  always 
right.     Simple  arrangement  for  four  parts. 

What  the  goodman  does  is  always 

right.    ST,  bk.  3,  p.  20. 

Another  arrangement  of  this  story  from 
Hans  Christian  Andersen  in  three  scenes 
for  six  boys  and  one  girl. 

What  the  seven  did.  See  How  the 
little  Smiths  got  their  Fourth-of- 
July  money;  Mrs.  Bangs's  pies. 

What  they  do.     DO,  p.  12. 

Poem  by  Christina  G.  Rossetti  arranged 
for  two  parts. 

What  was  her  name?     SK,  p.  108. 
A  lady  in  green  wakes  to  find  that  she  is 
the  Spring.    Story  by  Laura  E.  Richards. 


What    was    in    Mrs.    White    Hen's 
nest.    BRY,  p.  13. 

Something  big  and  white  in  the  white 
hen's  nest  proves  to  be  only  a  kitty.  For 
four  little  children. 

When  courage  was  needed.    STA,  p. 
177. 

Lord  Howe  tells  Franklin  in  London  that 
the  Continental  Congress  must  be  given 
up ;  Some  Tories  make  plans  at  a  city  inn 
in  Philadelphia ;  and  the  Continental  Con- 
gress meets  at  Carpenter's  Hall.  Three  acts. 
For  twenty-six  boys,  five  girls  and  extras, 
but  parts  may  be  doubled.  Simple  direc- 
tions. 

When  Heine  was  twenty-one.  FRN, 
p.  33. 

Heinrich  Heine  learns  that  his  cousin 
Molly,  the  inspiration  of  his  first  volume  of 
poems,  does  not  return  his  affection.  One 
act.  For  six  boys  and  two  girls.  Simple 
directions.    Plays  less  than  an  hour. 

When  Liberty  calls.     TY,  p.  23. 

"In  all  the  world  who  strikes  at  Liberty 
Strikes  us.     .     .     ." 

Thus  America  enters  the  palace  of  Jus- 
tice to  stand  with  those  who  oppose  Force, 
the  deadly  foe  of  Liberty.  Simple  direc- 
tions. For  thirty-two  characters,  adults  or 
older  children. 

When  Rip  Van  Winkle  came  home. 
LA,  p.  148. 

Rip  wakes  to  find  that  he  is  a  stranger 
to  nearly  everyone  in  the  village.  From 
Washington  Irving's  Sketch  Book.  Narra- 
tive with  helps  for  dramatization. 

When  Rip  Van  Winkle  came  home. 
See  also  Rip  Van  Winkle. 

When  Santa  Claus  comes.    BRY,  p 

87;  DO,  p.  137. 

A  little  poem  arranged  for  three  little 
children. 

When  the  sun  rises.  BRY,  p.  25. 
Owl,  bat,  mole,  firefly,  Jack-o'-lantern, 
and  glowworm  try  to  frighten  the  sun 
away,  but  the  sun  grows  brighter  just  the 
same.     For  six  little  children. 


INDEX  TO    PLAYS 


105 


When  the  toys  awake.     BW,  p.  55.     White  Christmas.    H.  p.  11. 


A  child,  awakening  at  midnight,  finds  her 
toys  life-size,  quite  human  and  enjoying  a 
revelry  all  their  own.  In  answer  to  her  in- 
quiry, they  inform  her  that  such  is  their 
nightly  custom,  from  twelve  until  the  clock 
strikes  four.  She  comments  upon  their 
happy  life — their  days  of  ease,  their  nights 
of  frolic — and,  much  to  her  surprise,  they 
declare  emphatically  that  such  is  not  the 
case ;  that  they  have  troubles  of  their  own. 
Upon  suggestion,  they  declare  a  Court  of 
Grievances,  with  the  child  as  judge;  she 
hears  their  complaints,  passes  sentence  and, 
at  the  last,  joins  in  the  general  joy  and 
jollity. — Story  of  the  Play.  For  fifteen  boys 
and  five  girls.  Costumes  are  suggested  and 
all  stage  directions  given.  Plays  about  twen- 
ty-five minutes. 

Where  do  all  the  daisies  go?     DO, 
p.  74. 

Poem  arranged  for  four  parts. 

Where  love  is  God  is.    WIS,  p.  13. 

The  story  of  Martin  Avdeitch,  Russian 
cobbler,  who,  like  the  shepherds  of  Judea, 
watches  on  Holy  Christmas  for  the  com- 
ing of  a  King.  Dramatized  for  a  com- 
munity Christmas  celebration  from  Tolstoi's 
narrative.  Two  acts  for  seven  older  boys 
and  three  older  girls.     Simple  directions. 

Which  shall  be  king?    SA,  p.  29. 

Father  Time's  children,  the  months  of 
the  year,  agree  to  present  their  claims  to 
sovereignty  to  a  group  of  school  children, 
who  decide  in  favor  of  "Dear  December." 
A  Christmas  play  in  one  act  for  thirteen 
boys,  six  girls,  and  opportunity  for  many 
extras.  Costumes  described.  Directions 
given. 

White  aprons.    LUB,  v.  3,  p.  60. 

The  story  of  Bacon's  rebellion  as  por- 
trayed in  Maud  Wilder  Goodwin's  novel 
with  this  title  is  here  arranged  in  nine 
scenes  for  dramatic  presentation  in  school. 
For  five  boys,  three  girls  and  many  extras. 

White  canoe.     ST,  bk.  4,  p.  21. 

Seneca,  sachem's  daughter,  is  sacrificed 
to  the  wrathful  Spirit  of  the  Falling 
Waters  at  Niagara  to  save  the  land  from 
famine.  Adapted  from  William  Trumbull's 
story  with  this  title.  Three  scenes  for 
nine  boys,  eleven  girls,  and  extras. 


As  the  three  wise  men  rode  on  that  first 
Christmas  night  to  find  the  Manger-cra- 
dled Babe  of  Bethlehem,  they  bore  gifts 
on  their  saddlebows.  Gifts  of  gold,  frank- 
incense and  myrrh.  And  so  the  spirit  of 
Christmas  giving  crept  into  the  world's 
heart. — Prologue. 

A  Christmas  morality  play  with  Mary 
and  Joseph,  shepherds,  and  Wise  men  as 
characters.  One  act.  For  eight  boys,  six 
girls  and  choir.  Songs  and  carols.  Cos- 
tume illustrations.  Written  especially  for 
Sunday  School  use.    Plays  about  one  hour. 

White  magic.    SYR,  p.  69. 

The  Princess  Philomene  learns  how  to 
overcome  wickedness  and  witchcraft  with 
the  magic  of  the  fairies.  One  act.  For 
three  boys,  four  girls,  and  extras.  Cos- 
tumes suggested.     Directions  given. 

Who  holds  up  the  sky?     SKB,  p. 
110. 

Poem  adapted  and  arranged  for  six  little 
children. 

Who  likes  the  rain?    WI,  p.  28. 

Poem  by  Clara  Doty  Bates  arranged 
for  five  children  in  primary  grades. 

Who  stole  the  bird's  nest?     DO,  p. 
53. 

"To-whit!   to-whit!   to-whee! 
Will  you  listen  to  me. 
Who  stole  four  eggs  1  laid? 
And  the  nice  nest  I  made?" 
Poem  by  Lydia  Maria  Child  arranged  for 
ten  parts. 

Who  stole  the  bird's  nest?    SCB,  p. 
37. 
The  same  poem. 

Why  animals  fear  fire.     SK,  p.  146. 

The  Fire  Spirit  protected  the  animals  once, 
but  will  never  be  able  to  do  so  again.  Nar- 
rative from  Margaret  Bemister. 

Why  the  bear  sleeps  all  winter.  WI, 

p.  69. 

Brother  Rabbit  and  his  friends  shut 
Brother  Bear  tight  in  a  hollow  tree. 
Adapted  from  an  old  Southern  folk  tale  in 
six  parts  for  use  in  primary  grades. 


106 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


Why  the  chimes  rang.    MAC. 

A  play  in  one  act  adapted  from  the  story 
of  the  same  title  by  Raymond  MacDonald 
Alden.  Full  descriptions  of  the  scenery, 
lighting,  costumes,  properties  and  music 
for  the  play ;  plates  showing  the  scene ;  il- 
lustrations of  the  costumes.  Characters : 
Three  boys,  an  old  woman,  lords  and  ladies. 
Time  :  Dusk  of  a  day  of  long  ago.  Scene : 
The  interior  of  a  wood-chopper's  hut  on 
the  edge  of  a  forest. 

Why  the  evergreen  trees  keep  their 

leaves.    WI,  p.  61. 

The  trees  that  are  kind  to  a  little  bird 
with  a  broken  wing  thereafter  keep  their 
green  in  summer  and  in  winter,  too.  Ar- 
ranged in  nine  parts  for  primary  grades. 

Why  the  evergreen  trees  keep  their 
leaves.  See  also  Bird  with  the 
broken  wing. 

Why    the    jellyfish    has    no    shell. 

SKB,  p.  119. 

Osa,  the  sea  queen,  punishes  the  jellyfish 
for  meddling.  An  Oriental  fable  for  seven 
or  more  children. 

Why   the   tip   of   the   fox's   tail   is 

white.     SK,  p.  61. 

The  fox  is  punished  for  betraying  his 
trust  as  shepherd.     In  narrative  form. 

Wilfred  the  Young.     CHA,  p.  95. 

A  terrible  devouring  dragon,  the  curse  of 
a  kingdom,  is  overcome  by  a  brave  and 
true  knight,  Wilfred  the  Young  of  Over- 
seas. A  three-act  play  in  verse  for  nine 
older  boys,  three  older  girls,  and  extras. 

Wild  animal  play  for  children.  SEA. 

The  author,  Ernest  Thompson  Seton, 
says  "this  sketch  was  written  for  some  chil- 
dren who  wanted  to  play  the  characters  in 
my  books :  Wild  Animals  I  Have  Known, 
The  Trail  of  the  Sandhill  Stag,  and  The 
Biography  of  a  Grizzly."  For  ten  boys  and 
seven  girls.  Alternate  reading  for  very 
young  children.  Music  by  Daniel  Gregory 
Mason.  Costumes  described  and  illustrated. 
Directions  given.    Plays  thirty  minutes. 

Wild  swans.     ST,  bk.  3,  p.  90. 

A  little  princess  breaks  the  spell  cast  over 
her  eleven  brothers  by  spinning  and  weav- 
ing   eleven    magic    coats    for    them.      Four 


scenes   for  eighteen  boys,  three  girls,  and 
extras. 

William  Penn.     BI,  p.  233. 

King  Charles  grants  the  Quakers  a  tract 
of  land  in  America;  they  take  possession  of 
New  Castle,  the  key  to  the  Delaware;  and 
the  famous  treaty  with  the  Indians  is  signed 
under  the  great  oak.  Three  scenes  for  ten 
boys  and  many  extras. 

William  Penn's  treaty  with  the  In- 
dians.    TU,  p.  7. 

A  story  of  the  Quakers. — Contents.  For 
six  boys,  two  girls,  and  extras.    Very  short. 

William  Tell.    HOA,  p.  152. 

How  Tell,  the  Swiss  patriot,  shoots  an 
arrow  from  the  head  of  his  little  son.  Two 
scenes  for  four  boys,  two  girls,  and  extras. 

William  Tell.    KN,  p.  227. 

"And  remember, 
The  country's  never  lost  that's  left  a  son 
To  struggle  with  the  foe  that  would  en- 
slave her !" 

Two  scenes  from  the  play  with  '.nis  title 
by  Sheridan  Knowles.    For  nine  older  boys. 

William  Tell.     LAS,  p.  50. 

A  short  dramatic  arrangement  in  two 
scenes  for  four  boys  and  many  extras. 
Simple  directions. 

WilHam  Tell.     ST,  bk.  4,  p.  31. 

Four  scenes  for  thirteen  boys,  one  girl, 
and  many  extras. 

Wind.     BRY,  p.  37. 

Poem  by  Robert  Louis  Stevenson  jr- 
ranged  for  three  little  children. 

Wise  crow.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  7. 

How  the  crow  found  a  way  to  drink  the 
water  in  the  bottom  of  a  pitcher.  For  two 
little  children. 

Wise  men  of  Gotham.     LAN,  p.  1. 

Two  drolls.  The  first  concerns  itself 
with  two  men  who  quarrel  about  hov/  they 
will  bring  home  the  sheep  they  have  not  yet 
bought,  and  a  third  who  thinks  them  fools. 

The  second  tells  of  twelve  men  of  Goth- 
am who  went  fishing,  and  who  fear  that 
one  of  their  number  may  have  been 
drowned.  A  courtier  who  comes  riding  by 
counts  to  twelve,  and  relieves  their  anxiety. 


INDEX  TO  PLAYS 


107 


for  each  one  who  counted  forgot  to  count 
himself. 

Wise  men  of  Gotham.  ST,  bk.  2,  p. 
81. 

The  seeming  foolishness  of  the  men  of 
Gotham  proves  a  sure  defense  against  the 
king  and  his  soldiers.  For  nine  boys,  one 
girl,  and  many  extras. 

Wise  men  of  Gotham.  See  also 
Some  wise  men  of  Gotham;  Three 
men  of  Gotham. 

Wish-bird.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  26. 

How  a  little  prince  learned  that  he  must 
work  and  work  and  never  ask  too  much. 
For  three  little  children. 

Wishing.    WI,  p.  72. 

Poem  by  William  Allingham  arranged 
for  two  boys  and  two  girls  in  primary 
grades. 

Wishing  man.    H,  p.  129. 

"I'm  the  friend  of  all  the  children, 

And  I'll  help  you  if  I  can. 
Just  tell  me  what  your  wishes  are, 
For  I'm  the  Wishing  Man." 

The  strange  adventures  of  three  small 
folk  who  pay  a  Christmas  visit  to  Wishing 
Land.  Three  acts.  For  seventeen  boys  and 
seven  girls.  Songs  with  music.  Costume 
illustrations.  Directions  given.  Plays  about 
forty-five  minutes. 

Wolf  and  the  goat.    PR,  p.  13. 

Mr.  Wolf  fails  to  entice  Mrs.  Goat  from 
the  top  of  a  high  rock.  For  two  little 
children. 

Wolf  and  the  horse.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  4. 

The  horse  calls  his  master  and  the  wolf  is 
caught  at  last.  For  two  little  children  and 
extras. 

Wolf  and  the  lamb.    ST,  bk.  2,  p.  9. 

How  the  wolf  tries  to  pick  a  quarrel  with 
a  lamb.    For  two  little  children. 

Wolf  of  Gubbio.    PEA. 

Brother  Wolf  tells  St.  Francis  how  he 
longs  to  be  a  Man.  After  a  bitter  struggle 
with  his  wolfish  nature,  he  lays  a  lost  babe 
as  his  offering  in  the  empty  manger  where 
the  babe's  own  mother  and  father,  as  Ma- 
donna and  Holy  Joseph,  take  part  in  the 
feast  of  the  Blessed  Nativity.    A  comedy  in 


three  acts  for  fourteen  boys,  nine  girls,  and 
extras.  Time :  The  day  before  Christmas, 
700  years  ago  in  Italy.  Stage  directions. 
Plays  a  full  evening. 

Wolf!  Wolf!    PR,  p.  77. 

A  boy  who  for  fun  calls  for  help  when 
it  is  not  needed  finds  no  one  will  come  to 
the  rescue  when  a  wolf  attacks  his  sheep. 
Three  short  acts  for  five  little  boys. 

Wolf!     Wolf!     See  also   Shepherd 
boy  who  called  wolf. 

Won.    BUB,  p.  111. 

"We  know  nothing  about  fairies 
We  know  nothing  about  elves ; 
We're  crammed  so  full  of  'ologies, 
We  hardly  know  ourselves  !" 

This  is  the  song  of  the  book-worms,  who 
are  won  at  last  to  a  belief  in  fairies  through 
the  offices  of  Oberon,  Titania,  Bo-peep,  Old 
King  Cole,  and  others.  One  scene.  For 
ten  boys,  five  girls,  and  extras.  Full  direc- 
tions. 

Wonder-Hill.    OLA,  p.  103. 

This  is  the  story  of  Maid  Elizabeth  who 
sat  in  her  English  cottage  a-stitching  coats, 
and  of  Meda,  her  little  friend,  who  begged 
her  to  go  a-merrymaking  to  the  Wonder- 
Hill,  and  how  at  twilight  two  wee  Wonder- 
Men  stole  down  the  Fairy  Hill,  and  crept 
into  the  cottage ,  kitchen,  weeping  because 
they  had  no  coats !  And  the  story  tells 
how  their  tears  were  dried — and  of  the 
gentle  maid's  industry — and  of  shining 
golden  dollars  lying  on  the  cottage  floor! — 
Program.  "A  play  of  industry"  in  one  act 
for  two  boys  and  two  girls.  Costume  de- 
signs and  simple  directions. 

Wonderful  rose.    SYR,  p.  135. 

A  "tiny  play"  about  a  prince,  a  maid, 
and  a  magic  rose.  Scene :  a  big  kitchen  in 
a  farmhouse.  For  one  boy,  three  girls,  and 
extras.  Costumes  described.  Directions 
given. 

Wonderful  story  of  Illinois.     OW. 

Consists  of  The  Masque  of  the  Ele- 
ments, three  episodes  centering  about  dra- 
matic happenings  in  the  history  of  the  State 
linked  together  by  descriptive  lines,  and 
The  Masque  of  a  Hundred  Years. — Preface. 
Written  for  the  celebration  of  the  cen- 
tennial of  Illinois.  For  many  characters. 
Directions  given. 


108 


PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 


Wonderful  tea-kettle.    SMI,  p.  91. 

"He  can  whistle  and  he  can  sing ; 
He  can  play  on  the  violin ; 
He  can  dance  like  a  daffodil, 
And  handle  a  gun  in  a  soldier's  drill." 

The  story  of  the  exploits  of  the  magic 
kettle  adapted  from  a  Japanese  folk-tale 
in  three  acts  for  six  boys  and  many  extras. 
Simple  but  complete  directions.  Japanese 
costumes. 

Woodcutter  and  the  fairy.  LAN,  p. 
21. 

An  honest  woodcutter  wins  his  reward, 
while  a  greedy  man  loses  even  what  he  has. 
Arranged  from  the  fable  for  three  parts. 

Woodcutter  and  the  fairy.  See  also 
Honest  woodcutter ;  Honest  wood- 
man. 

Wooden  shoe,  or,  St.  Valentine's 
day.    BUB,  p.  388. 

To  a  little  peasant  girl  come  a  lover,  a 
mother,  and  a  fortune,  and  the  token  is  the 
wooden  shoe.  One  act.  For  three  boys 
and  four  girls.  Several  songs.  Full  direc- 
tions. 

Woodstock.    LUB,  v.  2,  p.  1. 

King  Charles  II,  as  Louis  Kerneguy, 
visits  Woodstock,  and  escapes  when  Crom- 
well searches  the  palace.     Four  scenes  ar- 


ranged from  Scott's  novel  for  school  use. 
For  nine  boys,  two  girls,  and  extras. 

Work.    SK,  p.  132. 

Poem  by  Mary  N.  Prescott. 

Wrath  of  Achilles.     FRH. 

"And  here  sits  Achilles,  nursing  his 
wrath."  A  play  in  five  acts  made  and 
acted  by  the  fourth  grade  of  the  Francis 
W.  Parker  School,  Chicago.  For  sixteen 
or  more  boys.     Plays  twenty  minutes. 

Yotcheka.    K. 

Yotcheka,  adopted  by  the  Oneidas  after 
the  annihilation  of  the  Erigas,  proves  his 
right  to  remember  his  own  brave  people, 
though  it  was  forbidden  for  the  Five  Tribes 
to  do  so.  An  Indian  play  in  one  act  by 
Helen  P.  Kane  for  four  boys  and  one  girl. 
Indian  music  from  the  collection  of  Alice 
Fletcher.     Simple  directions. 

Yuletide  rose.    LO,  p.  131. 

How  Tomte,  a  brownie  or  Nis,  who  is 
visible  only  for  three  magic  hours  on  the 
eve  of  Yule,  helps  Aslog,  a  little  Norwegian 
girl,  to  realize  her  perfect  wish,  which  is 
that  she  may  see  the  flowering  of  the  Yule- 
tide  rose  which  grows  far  up  on  the  steep 
mountain  and  which  blossoms  only  at  the 
midnight  hour  on  Yuletide  eve.  A  Christ- 
mas miracle  play  in  three  scenes.  For  three 
boys,  four  girls  and  extras  as  elves.  Folk 
dance  and  elf  dance.     Directions. 


AUTHOR  LIST  OF  BOOKS  INDEXED  WITH  KEY 
TO  ABBREVIATIONS 

A  Arkwright,  R.  Brownikins  and  other  fancies.     Stokes. 

AS  Ashby,  E.     Miles  Standish.     Elkin  Mathews. 

B  Baird,  G.  M.  P.     Two  morality  interludes  for  children.   National  Association  for  the 

study  of  tuberculosis. 

BA  Bates,  K.  L.     Fairy  gold.     Button. 

BE  Bell,  Mrs.  F.  E.  E.  (O.)     Fairy  tale  plays  and  how  to  act  them.     Longmans. 

BI  Bird,  G.  E.  and  Starling,  M.     Historical  plays  for  children.     Macmillan. 

BIS  Bishop,  G.     May-day< interlude.     Campden. 

BL  Black,  C.     Kindergartenjplays.     2  v.     R.  Brimley  Johnson  (Carpet  plays) 

BR  Browne,  D.  G.     Sweetbriar;   a  pastoral  with  songs.     Elkin  Mathews. 

BRO  Browne,  H.  B.     Short  plays  from  Dickens.     Scribner. 

BRY  Bryce,  C.  T.     Child-lore* dramatic  reader.     Scribner. 

BU  Buckton,  A.  M.     Eager  Heart.     Methuen. 

BUA  Buckton,  A.  M.     Masque  of  Beauty  and  the  beast.     Hodgson. 

BUB  Bullivant,  C.  H.,  ed.     Home  plays;   a  collection  of  new,  simple,  and  eflfective  plays 

for  boys  and  girls.     Dodge. 

BUG  Bunner,  H.  C.     Seven  old  ladies  of  Lavender  town.     Harper. 

BUD  Bunner,  H.  C.     Three  operettas.     Harper. 

BUE  Burnett,  Mrs.  F.  (H.)     Little  Lord  Fauntleroy.     French. 

BUF  Burnett,  Mrs.  F.  (H.)     Little  princess.     French. 

BUG  Burrill,  E.  W.     Master  Skylark.     Century. 

BW  Barbee,  L.     Let's  pretend.     Denison. 

BX  Bates,  E.  W.     Christopher  Columbus.     Woman's  Education  Association. 

BY  Bynner,  W.     The  little  king.     Mitchell  Kennedy. 

BZ  Bregy,  K.     Little  Crusaders.     Peter  Reilly. 

C  Carter,  E.  H.     Christmas  candles;   plays  for  boys  and  girls.     Holt. 

CH  Chapman,  J.  J.     Four  plays  for  children.  Moflfat. 

CHA  Chapman,  J.  J.     Neptune's  isle.     Moffat.  . 

CO  Colum,  P.     A  boy  in  Eirinn.     Dutton. 

COA  Comstock,  F.  A.     Dramatic  version  of  Greek  myths  and  hero  tales.     Ginn. 

COB  Comstock,  F.  A.     Dramatization  of  Longfellow's  The  Courtship  of  Miles  Standish. 

Educ.  Pub.  Co. 

COC  Comstock,  F.  A.     Dramatization  of  Sir  Walter  Scott's  Lady  of  the  Lake.     Educ. 

Pub.  Co. 

COD  Comstock,  F.  A.     Dickens  dramatic  reader.     Ginn. 

COE  Cooke,  M.  B.     The  case  of  Sophronia.     Dramatic  Pub.  Co. 

COF  Cooke,  M.  B.     The  fairy  ring.     Dramatic  Pub.  Co. 

COG  Cooke,  M.  B.     The  first  Thanksgiving  dinner.     Dramatic  Pub.  Co. 

COH  Cooke,  M.  B.     In  the  good  green  wood.     Dramatic  Pub.  Co. 

COI  Cooke,  M.  B.     A  springtime  fantasy.     Dramatic  Pub.  Co. 

COR  Comeau,  P.  B.     Robin  Hood  and  the  widow's  three  sons.       Drama  League  of 

Chicago. 

CR  Craig,  Mrs.  A.  A.  (T.)     The  dramatic  festival.     Putnam. 

CRA  Crawford,  J.  R.     Robin  of  Sherwood.     Yale  Univ.  Press. 

CX  Conger,  M.  L.     Folk  story  plays  for  children.     McCarm. 

D  Dalkeitii,  L.     Little  plays.     Dutton. 

DE  DeMille,  W.  C.     Christmas  spirit;   Votes  for  fairies.     John  Martin's  House. 

DI  Dix,  B.  M.     The  enemy.     American  School  Peace  League. 

DIX  Dix,  B.  M.  and  Sutherland,  Mrs.  E.  G.  (B).     A  Rose  o'  Plymouth-town.    Dramatic 

Pub.  Co. 

DO  Doheny,  M.  A.     Play  awhile;  a  dramatic  reader  for  the  second  school  year.     Little. 

DOR  Dorsen,  H.     Power  of  Loyalty.     Moflfat. 

DR  Drama,  a  monthly  review.     Drama  League  of  America. 

DU  Dugan,  C.  A.     The  king's  jester.     Houghton. 

DUN  Dunn,  F.  W.     What  shall  we  play?     Macmillan. 

E  Ethical  Culture  School,  New  York.     America  the  wonderland. 

F  First  flag  and  other  patriotic  plays  and  exercises.     Educ.  Pub.  Co. 

109 


no  PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 

FI  Findlay,  M.  I.     Alice  in  Wonderland.     Oxford  University  Press. 

FIA  Findlay,  M.  I.     Ivanhoe.     Oxford  University  Press. 

FIB  Findlay,  M.  I.     Talisman.     Oxford  University  Press. 

FO  Fogerty,  E.,  ed.     Scenes  from  the  great  novelists.     Sonnenschein. 

FOU  Foucher,  L.  C.     Effie's  Christmas  dream.     Little. 

FR  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     Brotherhood. 

FRA  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     Ivanhoe. 

FRB  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     Lionel  of  Orkney. 

FRC  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     Paradise  of  children. 

FRD  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     Return  of  Odysseus. 

FRE  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     Return  of  the  Douglas. 

FRF  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     Robin  Hood. 

FRG  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     True  Thomas. 

FRH  Francis  W.  Parker  School.     Wrath  of  Achilles. 

FRN  Frank,  M.  M.     Short  plays  about  famous  authors.     Holt. 

G  Gardner,  M.     Dramatic  reader;   the  land  of  make-believe.     Educ.  Pub.  Co. 

GA  Gamett,  Mrs.  L.  (A.)  Master  Will  of  Stratford;  a  midwinter  night's  dream,  in 
three  acts  with  a  prologue  and  an  epilogue.     Macmillan. 

GE  Gertenberg,  A.  AHce  in  Wonderland ;  a  dramatization  of  Lewis  Carroll's  AUce  in 
Wonderland  and  Through  the  looking  glass.     McClurg. 

GL  Glassie,  A.  B.     The  meadowgold.     University  of  Wisconsin.     Extension  Division. 

GO  Goodlander,  M.  R.     Fairy  plays  for  children.     Rand. 

GOA  Gothorp,  Mrs.  B.     Dramatized  history.     5  bks.     Cassell. 

GOB  Gould,  E.  L.     The  "Little  men"  play.     Little. 

GOC  Gould,  E.  L.     The  "Little  women"  play.     Little. 

GR  Gregory,  A.  (P.)  Lady.     The  golden  apple.     Putnam. 

GRE  Gregory,  A.  (P.)  Lady.     Poets  and  dreamers.     Hodges,  Feggis. 

GRI  Griffin,  C.  S.     The  headless  horseman.     Penn. 

GX  Greene,  Kathleen  C.  Little  boy  out  of  the  wood  and  other  dream  plays.  John 
Lane. 

H  Hare,  W.  B.     White  Christmas  and  other  merry  Christmas  plays.     Denison. 

HA  Harper's  book  of  little  plays;  for  home  and  school  entertainments;  with  an  intro- 
duction by  M.  D.  Bamum,     Harper. 

HAB  Harris,  F.  H.     Eight  plays  for  the  school.     Dutton. 

HAC  Harrison,  Mrs.  C.  (C.)     Ahce  in  Wonderland.     Dramatic  Pub.  Co. 

HI  Hill,  R.     John  Joseph  Pershing.     Badger. 

HO  Hogate,  E.  C.  and  Grover,  E.  O.  Sunbonnets  and  overalls;  a  dramatic  reader  and 
an  operetta.     Rand. 

HOA  Holbrook,  F.     Dramatic  reader  for  lower  grades.     Amer.  Bk.  Co. 

HOB  Holbrook,  F.  Dramatization  of  Longfellow's  Song  of  Hiawatha.     Houghton. 

HU  Hutchinson,  M.  F.     The  masque  of  the  woodlands.     Blackie. 

HUT  Hutchinson,  M.  F.     Masque  or  pageant  of  English  trees  and  flowers.     Blackie. 

HX  Hubbard,  E.     Little  American  history  plays  for  little  Americans.     Sanborn. 

I  Isham,  F.  S.  and  Weitzel,  E.     The  toy  shop;  a  drama  for  children.     French. 

J  Johnston,  Mrs.  A.  (F.)     The  rescue  of  the  Princess  Winsome.     Page. 

JO  Johnston,  E.  L.  ancJ  Bamum,  M.  D.     Book  of  plays  for  little  actors.     Amer.  Bk.  Co. 

K  Kane,  H.  P.     Yotcheka.     French. 

KN  Knight,  M.     Dramatic  reader  for  grammar  grades.     Amer.  Bk.  Co. 

KR  Kraft,  I.     The  power  of  Purim.     Jewish  Pub.  Society. 

KRO  Krohn,  J.  E.     The  queen  of  hearts.     Drama  League. 

L  Lamkin,  N.  B.     America  yesterday  and  today.     Denison. 

LA  Lansing,  M.  F.     Dramatic  readings  for  schools.     Macmillan. 

LAN  Lansing,  M.  F.     Quaint  old  stories  to  read  and  act.     Ginn. 

LAS  Laselle,  M.  A.  Dramatization  of  school  classics;  a  dramatic  reader.  Educ.  Pub. 
Co. 

LI  Lisle,  C.     A  scout's  honor.     Penn.  ^ 

LO  Lord,  K.     Little  playbook.     DuffielJ. 

LU  Luetkenhaus,  Mrs.  A.  M.  (I.)     Master  Skylark.     Century. 

LUA  Luetkenhaus,  Mrs.  A.  M.  (I.)     Plays  for  school  children.     Century. 

LUB  Luetkenhaus,  Mrs.  A.  M.  (I.)  arid  Knox,  M.    Story  and  play  readers,  3  v.    Century. 


BOOKS  INDEXED  WITH  KEY  TO  ABBREVIATIONS  111 

LX  Lamkin,  N.  B.     Gifts  we  bring.     Denison. 

M  McBrien,  J.  L.,  ed,     America  first;  patriotic  readings.    Amer,  Bk.  Co. 

MA  McCarthy,  G.  D.  Plays  from  the  Wonder-book  and  Tanglewood  tales.  Educ. 
Pub.  Co. 

MAB  Macdonell,  A,     Historical  plays  for  children.     Series  1-2.     George  Allen  &  Co. 

MAC  McFadden,  E.  A.     Why  the  chimes  rang.     French. 

MAD  Mackay,  C.  D.     Forest  princess  and  other  masques.     Holt. 

MAE  Mackay,  C.  D.     House  of  the  heart  and  other  plays  for  children.     Holt. 

MAF  Mackay,  C.  D.     Memorial  day  pageant.     Harper. 

MAG  Mackay,  C.  D.     Patriotic  plays  and  pageants  for  young  people.     Holt. 

MAH  Mackay,  C.  D.     Plays  of  the  pioneers.     Harper. 

MAI  Mackay,  C.  D.     Silver  thread  and  other  folk  plays  for  young  people.     Holt. 

MAJ  Mackaye,  P.     New  citizenship;  a  civic  ritual.     Macmillan. 

MAL  McLaren,  J.  M.  aM<f  Harvey,  E.  M.     Hansel  and  Gretel.     Stokes. 

MAM  Maeterlinck,  M,     The  blue  bird.     Dodd. 

ME  Meigs,  C.     The  steadfast  princess.     Macmillan. 

MEA  Merington,  M.     Cranford;  a  play.     Duffield. 

MEB  Merington,  M.     Festival  plays.     Duffield. 

MEC  Merington,  M.     Holiday  plays.     Duffield. 

MED  Merington,  M.     Picture  plays.     Duffield. 

MI  Miles,  Annie  M.     The  magic  trunk.     Drama  League  of  Chicago. 

MU  Musset,  P.  E.  de.     Mr.  Wind  and  Madam  Rain.     Putnam. 

MX  Mackay,  C.  D.  Pageant  of  sunshine  and  shadow.  National  Child  Labor  Com- 
mittee. 

MY  Meaker,  I.  J.  and  Perkins,  E.  E.  My  Lady's  Yule-Tide.  Drama  League  of  Chi- 
cago. 

N  Nesbitt,  F.     The  magic  whistle  and  other  fairy  tale  plays.     Longmans. 

NI  Nixon,  L.  E.     Fairy  tales  a  child  can  read  and  act.     Doubleday. 

NO  Noyes,  Mrs.  M.  I.  O.  and  Ray,  B.  H.     Little  plays  for  little  people.     Ginn. 

O  O'Conor,  N.  J.     The  fairy  bride.     Lane. 

OL  Olcott,  V.     Holiday  plays  for  home,  school  and  settlement.     MoflEat. 

OLA  Olcott,  V.     Patriotic  plays  for  young  people.     Dodd. 

OLB  Olcott,  V.     Plays  for  home,  school  and  settlement.     Moffat. 

OP  OppenJieim,  J.     The  pioneers;  a  poetic  drama  in  two  scenes,     Huebsch. 

OW  Owen,  G.  A.     Wonderful  story  of  Illinois.     Illinois  Centennial  Commission. 

P  Packer,  M.     The  toy-shop;  an  operetta  for  children  in  one  act.     Schirmer. 

PA  Pailler,  W.     The  magic  bell.     Dramatic  Pub.  Co. 

PAA  Payne,  F.  U.     Plays  and  pageants  of  citizenship. 

PAB  Payne,  F.  U.     Plays  and  pageants  of  democracy.     Harper. 

PAC  Payne,  F.  U.     Plays  for  Anychild.     Harper 

PE  Peabody,  J.   P.     The  piper.     Houghton. 

PEA  Peabody,  J.  P.     The  wolf  of  Gubbio.     Houghton. 

PEM  Pemberton,  M.     Christmas  plays  for  children.     Crowell. 

PER  Pertwee,  G.     Scenes  from  Dickens;  for  drawing-room  and  platform  acting.    Dutton. 

PR  Pratt,  Mrs.  M._L.     Little  plays  for  little  players.     Educ.  Pub.  Co. 

R  Ravindranatha  Thakura.     The  post  office.     Macmillan. 

RE  Red  cross  magazine.     January,  1918  and  April,  1918. 

RI  Richards,  Mrs.  L.  E.  (H.)     Fairy  operattas.     Little. 

RIL  Riley,  A.  C.  D.     The  Blue  Prince.     Drama  League  of  Chicago. 

RO  Rossetti,  C.  G.     Poems.     Little. 

ROS  Rostand,  E.     The  romancers.     Baker. 

RX  Rice,  W.     Illinois  centennial  plays;  suggestions  for  giving  six  little  plays  for  Illinois 

children.     IlUnois    Centennial   Commission. 

RY  Rice,_W.     Pageant  of  the  IlUnois  country.     Illinois  Centennial  Commission. 

S  St.  Nicholas  book  of  plays  and  operettas.     Century. 

SA  St.  Nicholas  book  of  plays  and  operettas.     Second  series.     Century. 

SC  Schell,  S.     Hiawatha  entertainments.     Werner. 

SCA  Schell,  S.     A  maid  of  Plymouth.     Warren. 

SCB  Schmidt,  E.     A  dramatic  reader,  bk.  3.     Berry  Co. 

SE  Seachrest,  E.     Greek  photoplays.     Rand. 


112  •    PLAYS    FOR    CHILDREN 

SEA  Seton,  E.  T.     The  wild  animal  play  for  children.     Doubleday. 

SH  Sherwood,  R.  E.     The  golden  birds.     Drama  League  of  Chicago. 

SI  Simons,  S.  E.  atid  Orr,  C.  I.  Dramatization;  selections  from  English  classics 
adapted  in  dramatic  form.     Scott,  Foresman. 

SK  Skinner,  A.  M.     Dramatic  stories  for  reading  and  acting.     Amer.  Bk.  Co. 

SEIA  Skinner,  A.  M.,  ed.     Little  folks'  Christmas  stories  and  plays.     Rand. 

SKB  Skinner,  A.  M.  and  Lawrence,  L.  N.  Little  dramas  for  primary  grades.  Amer. 
Bk.  Co. 

SKC  Skinner,  E.  L.     Tales  and  plays  of  Robin  Hood.     Amer.  Bk.  Co. 

SM  Smith,  G.  E.  and  Knevels,  G.     The  arrow-maker's  daughter.     French. 

SMI  Smith,  N.  A.     Plays,  pantomimes  and  tableaux  for  children.     Moflfat. 

SO  Sowerby,  G.     Little  plays  for  little  people.     Frowde. 

SP  Spofford,  Mrs.  H.  E.  (P.)     The  fairy  changeHng.     Gorham  Press. 

ST  "   Stevenson,  A.     Children's  classics  in  dramatic  form.     5  bks.     Houghton. 

STA  Stevenson,  A.     Dramatized  scenes  from  American  history.     Houghton. 

STB  Stevenson,  A.     The  puppet  princess.     Houghton. 

STC  Stewart,  A.  B.     Midsummer  dance  dream.     Wayne. 

STD  Stock,  E.  E.     Jim  Crow.     Dutton. 

STE  Stock,  E.  E.     The  magic  chest.     Dutton. 

STF  Stock,  E.  E.     The  pied  piper.     Dutton. 

SX  Skinner,  E.  L.  and  A.  M.     Children's  plays.     Appleton. 

SY  Syrett,  N.     Robin  Goodfellow  and  other  fairy  plays  for  children.     Lane. 

SYR  Syrett,  N.     Six  fairy  plays  for  children.     Lane. 

T  Tooker,  G.  F.     Everychild.     Bobbs-Merrill.  >Jlu*    HA      ^  • 

TU  Tucker,  L.  E.  and  Ryan,  E.  L.     Historical  plays  of  colonial  days.     Longmans. 

TUR  Turner,  G.  and  others.     Com  silk.     University  of  North  Dakota. 

TX  Thorp,  J.     Bonds  of  liberty.     Womans  Press. 

TY  Thorp,  J.  and  Kimball,  R.     Patriotic  pageants  of  today.     Holt. 

U  Underwood,  K.     Fairy  tale  plays  for  infants  and  juniors.     Arnold. 

W  Wade,  Mrs.  M.  H.  (B.)     Abraham  Lincoln.     Gorham  Press. 

WA  Wade,  Mrs.  M.  H.  (B)     Benjamin  Franklin.     McClurg. 

WAB  Wade,  Mrs.  M.  H.  (B.)     Ulysses  Simpson  Grant.     McClurg. 

WAC  Walker,  A.  J.     Little  plays  from  American  history.     Holt. 

WAD  Walker,  E.  H.     Christmas  in  olden  times  and  in  many  lands.     Welch. 

WAR  Warren,  M.  J.     The  twig  of  thorn.     Baker. 

WE  Wessex,  J.     Masque  of  the  seasons.     Minster  Press. 

WH  White,  J.  B.     Snow  white  and  the  seven  dwarfs.     Dodd. 

WI  Wickes,  F.  G.     Stories  to  act.     Rand. 

WIC  Wickes,  F.  G.     Child's  book  of  holiday  plays.     Macmillan. 

WIG  Wiggin,  Mrs.  K.  D.  (S.)  and  Ingersoll,  H.    The  Birds'  Christmas  Carol.    Houghton. 

WIS  Wisconsin.  University.  Extension  Division.  Bureau  of  Community  Develop- 
ment. Plays  for  community  Christmas.  (Wisconsin  University  bulletin  serial 
No.  1010,  gen.  ser.  No.  794.) 

WO  Wohelo;  a  magazine  for  girls.     January,  1915.     Camp  Fire  girls. 

WOO  Wood,   P.   B.     Dramatic  reader.     Longmans. 

WX  Wade,  Mrs.  M.  H.  (B.)     George  Washington.     Badger. 

WY  Walker,  A.  J.     Lafayette;  Columbus;  Long  Knives.     Holt. 

Y  Yeats,  W.  B.     The  hour-glass  and  other  plays.     Macmillan. 


PLAYS  FOR  SPECIAL  DAYS 


NEW  YEAR'S   DAY 

Baby  New  Year 

Captured  year 

Cave  of  the  fates 

Father  Time  and   his   children 

Gift  of  time 

Glad  New  Year 

New  New  Year 

New  Year   (2  plays) 

Resolutions  of  Anychild 

Time  and  the  seasons 

TWELFTH   NIGHT 

Twelfth  night  festivities 

LINCOLN'S  BIRTHDAY 

Abe  Lincoln  and  Little  A.  D. 
Anychild  learns  from  Lincoln 
At  the  White  House,  1863 
In  Boston,  1864 
Little  life  of  Lincoln 
Mr.  Lincoln  and  the  little  girl 
On  a  plantation,  1863 
Rich  citizens 

See  also   titles  beginning  Abraham  Lin- 
coln. 

VALENTINE'S  DAY 

Grandmother  Cupid 
St.  Valentine's  house 
Tertulla's  garden 
Wooden  shoe 

WASHINGTON'S  BIRTHDAY 

Ferry  Farm  episode 

First  in  war 

Great  general's  lesson  to  the  little  corporal 

Hardships  at  Valley  Forge 

Man  who  bore  the  burden 

Mrs.  Murray's  dinner  party 

Spy 

See  also  titles  beginning  Washington  and 
George  Washington 

APRIL  FOOL'S  DAY 
April  fool 

EASTER 
Easter  lily 

Easter  rabbit  (2  plays) 
Flower  of  the  ages 
Seven  sleepers  of  Ephesos 

ARBOR  DAY 

Anychild  helps  the  Baby  Tree 
Arbor  day 

Baucis  and  Philemon 
Birds'  story  of  the  trees. 


Crowning  of  the  dryads 
Dryad's  awakening 
Edge  of  the  wood 
Masque  of  conservation 
Prayer  of  the  forest  spirit 
Rhoecus 

MAY  DAY  OR  SPRING 

Fairies'  plea 

First  May  baskets 

Greatest  gift 

Hawthorne  pageant 

In  bells  and  motley 

Masque  of  Pomona 

Masque  of  the  woodlands 

May-day 

May-day  interlude 

Merrymount 

Miss  Pansy's  May  party 

Nick  Bluster's  trick 

Nottingham  shooting  match 

Persephone 

Rabbit's  message 

Return  of  Spring 

Robin  Hood 

Spring  fantasy 

Springtime  fantasy 

Sweetbriar 

MEMORIAL  DAY 

Anychild  meets  Memory 
Dulce  et  decorum  club 
Memorial  Day 
Memorial  Day  pageant 

FOURTH  OF  JULY 

See  Patriotic 

COLUMBUS    DAY 

Christopher  Columbus    (4  plays) 
Columbus  helps  Anychild 
Discovery  of  America 
Little  girl   who  helped 
Vision  of  Columbus 

HALLOWE'EN 

Goblin  stone 
Lucky  Hallowe'en 
On  AH  Souls'  eve 
Testing  of  Sir  Gawayne 
Troll  of  the  mountains 

THANKSGIVING  DAY 

Anychild's  vision  of  blessings 
At  the  Gate  of   Peace 
Courtship  of  Miles   Standish 
Day  before  Thanksgiving 
Dream  of  freedom 


113 


114 


PLAYS   FOR   CHILDREN 


Enterprise  of  the  Mayflower 

First  Thanksgiving  day    (3  plays) 

First  Thanksgiving  dinner 

Good  Thanksgiving 

Little  people  of  Autumn 

Little  Pilgrim's  progress 

Maid  of  Plymouth 

Masque  of  Pomona 

Miles   Standish 

Mill  that  ground  hot  porridge 

Minister's  dream 

Mrs.  Bangs's  pies 

Priscilla,  Myles  and  John 

Spinning  lesson 

Standish  of  Standish 

Thankful  heart 

Thanksgiving  day,  1696 

Thanksgiving  dream 

Troubles  on  land  and  sea 

CHRISTMAS    DAY 

Anita's  secret 

Anychild   preparing    for    Christmas 

Babouscka 

Babushka 

Bird's  Christmas  Carol 

Bob  Cratchit's  Christmas  dinner 

Canvas  Christmas 

Children  and  the  evangelists 

Christ-candle 

Christmas  mystery 

Christmas  tree  joke 

Cratchit's  Christmas  dinner 

Dolls 

Dream  of  gold 

Dream-toy  shop 

Eager  Heart 

Ebenezer  Scrooge's  Christmas 

Eflfie's  Christmas  dream 

Elves  and  the  shoemaker 

False  Sir  Santa  Claus 

First  Christmas  eve 

First  Christmas  Tree 

Gift  of  time 


Gifts  we  bring 
Greatest  gift 

Health,  wealth  and  happiness 
Her  Christmas  hat 
Holy  night 
House  of  Santa  Claus 
How  Christmas  was  saved 
Hundred 

Little  Christmas  Tree 
Lost  toys 
Magic  trunk 
Masque  of  Christmas 
Minty-Malviny's  Santa  Claus 
Mistletoe  and  holly 
My  lady's  Yule  tide 
Nativity 

Night  before  Christmas 
Old  toys 

On  Christmas  eve 
Piccola 

Puppet  princess 
Puritan  Christmas  (2  plays) 
Quest  of  the  doll 
Revolt  of  the  holidays 
St.  Nicholas 
Santa  Claus 

Sixteenth-century  Christmas 
Snow  queen 
Spell  of  Qiristmas 
Star  in  the  east 
Steadfast  princess 
Their  Christmas  party 
Three  little  Christmas  waifs 
Toinette  and  the  elves 
Tom's  plan 

When  Santa  Claus  comes 
Where  love  is  God  is 
Which  shall  be  king? 
White  Christmas 
Why  the  chimes  rang 
Wishing  man 
Wolf  of  Gubbio 
Yuletide  rose 
Sec  also  titles  beginning  Christmas 


OTHER  PLAYS  FOR  SPECIAL  OCCASIONS 


BOY    SCOUTS 
Scout's  honor 

CAMP  FIRE 

Arrow-maker's  daughter 
Healing  spring 
Onida's  dreams 

SOME  HUMOROUS  PLAYS 
Adventure  of  my  aunt 
Alice  in  Wonderland   (4  plays) 
Alice's   adventures   with   the   queen 


Anita's  secret 

Christmas  in  rhyme-land 

Christmas  with  the  Mulligans 

Course  of  true  love 

Emperor's  new  clothes 

Feathertop 

Foolish  Jack 

Her  Christmas  hat 

Mad  tea-party 

Melon  thief 

^listake  at  the  manor 

Queen  of  hearts 


PLAYS  FOR  SPECIAL  DAYS 


115 


Salon  Carre  fantasy 

Through  the  looking-glass   (3  plays) 

Tune  of  a  tune 

Tweedledum  and  Tweedledee 

Wishing  man 

JAPANESE   PLAYS 

Bibi 

Flight  of  the  Sun  goddess 

Sun  goddess 

KING  ARTHUR 

Gareth  and  Lynette 
Good  King  Arthur 
How  England  found  her  king 
Lancelot  and   Elaine 
Lionel  of  Orkney 
Sir  Gareth  of  Orkney 

Sir    Percivale,    the    boy    knight    from    the 
forest 

OUT-OF-DOORS 

Abraham  Lincoln  episode 

At  the  Gate  of  Peace 

Bag  o'  dreams 

Benjamin  Franklin   (4  plays) 

Course  of  true  love 

Daniel   Boone,  patriot 

Day  Will  Shakespeare  went  to  Kenilworth 

Dekanawida 

Dream  lady 

Dryad's  awakening 

Edge  of  the  wood 

Elf  child 

Enchanted  garden 

Ever-Ever  Land 

Fairies'  plea 

Ferry  Farm  episode 

First  May  basket 

Forest  of  Every  Day 

Forest  spring 

Fountain  of  youth 

George  Washington's  fortune 

Golden  birds 

Golden  star 

Gooseherd  and  the  goblin 

Grasshoppers  and  the  ants 

Greatest  gift 

Hansel  and  Gretel 

Hawthorne  pageant 

Healing  spring 

Highway  of  the  King 

If  Don't-Believe  is  changed  into  Believe 

In    witchcraft    days 

June  magic 

Katjens  garden 

Little  boy  out  of  the  wood 

Little  folk  in  green 

Masque  of  conservation 


Masque  or  pageant  of   English   trees   and 

flowers 
Masque  of  the  woodlands 
Meadowgold 
Memorial  day  pageant 
Merrymount 
Pageant  of  hours 
Pageant  of  patriots 
Passing  of  Hiawatha 
Persephone 
Pioneers  (2  plays) 
Pool  of  answers 
Princess  on  the  road 
Princess  Pocahontas 
Queen  Flora's  court 
Robin  Hood 

Robin  Hood  and  his  merry  men 
Robin  Hood  and  the  widow's  three  sons 
Siegfried 

Son  of  the  Yemassee 
Song  of  Hiawatha 
Spinning  lesson 
Spirit  of  New  England 
Triumph  of  democracy 
Troll  magic 
Vanishing  race 
Vision  of  Columbus 
White  magic 
Wild  animal  play 

PATRIOTIC 

America 

America,  the  wonderland 
America,  yesterday  and  today 
Answer 

Anychild  and  her  flag 
At  the  Gate  of  Peace 
Benjamin    Franklin    (4   plays) 
Bonds  of  liberty 
Boston  tea  party  (2  plays) 
Brave  deed    by  brave  men 
Call  to  the  Youth  of  America 
Continental  Congress 
Conversion  of  Mrs.  Slacker 
Dame  Greel  o'  Portland  town 
Daniel  Boone 
Daniel  Boone,  patriot 
Dekanawida 
Dolly  Madison 
Dora,  her  flag 
First  American  flag 
First  flag 
Fourth  of  July 
Golden  star 
Hats  off 

Hiding  of  regicides 
Highway  of  the  King 

How  the  little  Smiths  got  their  Fourth-of- 
July  money 


116 


PLAYS    FOR   CHILDREN 


How  they  saved  the  fort 

In  Betsy  Ross's  time 

Independence  day 

John  Joseph  Pershing 

Lafayette 

Lafayette  the  friend  of  America 

Lafayette's  toast 

Light 

Little  citizens  making  a  new  America 

Little  Homemaker   (Food  conservation) 

Little  maid  of  Concord  town 

Little  patriot 

Little  rebels 

Long  Knives  in  Illinois 

Making  a  flag 

Making  of  the  first  American  flag 

Man  without  a  country   (3  plays) 

Nathan  Hale 

New  citizenship 

Onida's  dreams 

Our  country  and  our  flag 

Our  first   flag 

Our  flag 

Pageant  of  patriots  (Indoor  and  Outdoor) 

Pageant  of  the  Illinois  country 

Poor  little  boy   (Garden  production) 

Power  of  Loyalty 

Single-handed  McAuley 

Soap  box  orator 

Spirit  of  New  England 

Torch 

Treason  of  Bendict  Arnold 


Tribute  to  America 
Triumph  of  democracy 
Victory  of  the  good  citizen 
Vision  of  Columbus 
When  courage  was  needed 
When  Liberty  calls 

For  other  patriotic  plays  see  lists  under 
Lincoln's  birthday,  Washington's  birthday, 
Memorial  day  and  Red  cross.  See  also 
reference  list  of  Books  of  interest  under 
Langdon,  W.  C.  Suggestions  for  the  cele- 
bration of  the  Fourth  of  July  by  means  of 
pageantry.  Many  other  plays  of  American 
history  in  this  list  may  also  be  used. 

PEACE 

Crowning  of  peace 

Enemy 

Healing  spring 

Nation's  stronger  weapon 

RED  CROSS 

Goody  Grumble's  cottage 
Opposite  end  of  the  world 
Red  cross  policeman 

SHAKESPEARE 
Day  Will  Shakespeare  went  to  Kenilworth 
Fairies'  plea 
Master  Skylark 
Master  Will  of  Stratford 
Midsummer  dance  dream 


SPECIAL  FORM 


ACTING  BALLADS 
Lord  UUin's  daughter 

LIVING  PICTURES 
Giant  picture  book 

OPERETTAS 

Babes  in  the  wood 

Beauty  and  the  beast 

Bluebeard 

Bobby  Shaftoe 

Cinderella 

Fairy  changeling 

Good  King  Arthur 

Land  of  Nod 

Mother  Goose  operetta 

Puss   in   boots 

Seven  old  ladies  of  Lavender  town 

Sleeping   beauty 

Sunbonnets  and  overalls 

Three  bears 

Three  little  kittens  of  the  land  of  pie 

Top-shop 

PANTOMIMES 

Christmas  Mystery 


Day  Will  Shakespeare  went  to  Kenilworth 

Elves  and  the  shoemaker 

Famine 

Goldilocks  and  the  three  bears 

Handful  of  clay  - 

Hats  off 

Hiawatha 

Hiawatha's  childhood 

Red  Riding  Hood 

Snow-white  and  Rose-red 

PUPPET   PLAY 

Chevalier     Jessamine     and     the     Princess 
Eglantine 

SHADOW  PLAYS 

Ballad  of  the  oysterman 
Egyptian  cat 

Modern    and    mediaeval    ballad    of    Mary 
Jane 

TABLEAUX 

Christmas  garland 
Christmas  in  old  England 
Christmas  with  the  children 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 
BERKELEY 

Return  to  desk  from  which  borrowed. 
This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below. 


FEB    1    1948 


APR  30 


06  1889 "10  AM 


6]an'57PW 

DEC  •  6  1958 

LD  21-100m-9,'47(A5702sl6)476 


U.C.  BERKELEY  LIBRARIES 


YD  '12885 


CQDb7b37flb 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CAUFORNIA  LIBRARY 


lip 


;miit!iiiiii; 


